Colgate is No. 1 in the nation, along with Notre Dame, in graduation rates for its Division I student-athletes, according to a report issued by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data show that 99 percent of athletes at Colgate and Notre Dame graduated.

With the same conviction that characterizes his work as a passionate advocate for education and social-services reform, Geoffrey Canada urged members of Colgate's Class of 2009 to continue the "pursuit of truth and enlightenment for the betterment of society and not solely for the betterment of yourselves."

"I believe in you. You are about to join a select group who must be unafraid to take on the toughest issues," said Canada during his address in Sanford Field House for the university's 188th commencement ceremony.

Note: The following is President Rebecca S. Chopp's prepared remarks to the Class of 2009.

Graduates - congratulations!

Today is a graduation - recognizing hard work and achievement in the classroom, the laboratory, the studio, the stage, and the athletic field.

The NCAA national office has released the latest round of graduation success rates and Colgate, along with two other schools, had the highest graduation in Division I for its student-athletes with 99 percent.

The data is from the four-class aggregate of entering classes from 1998 through 2001 and show the percentage of student-athletes earning a degree within six years.

(Note: These are remarks delivered by Lesley Stahl at Colgate University's 187th commencement, May 18, 2008)

Thank you. Well first of all I'm so sorry that you're all wet and cold. I'm watching you put on your ponchos; I hope that makes it a little better.

So now I am a member of the Class of 2008, which I am very proud of, and I want to congratulate all of us for today, a triumphful day, a happy day. I am sure you have one little pain because you will be leaving your friends, but otherwise there is this great joy of accomplishment because you guys have crossed the finish line and you know you have earned your degrees and you've all worked hard and it's great.

The Class of 2008's "green" gift to the university was the subject of an article in The Post-Standard.(Syracuse)

The class has raised about $23,000 to launch a fund that will help the college reduce energy use. About 94 percent of the senior class has made donations.