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.

(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.

Colgate graduates on Sunday were urged to help change the mood of a nation beset by concerns over the Iraq war, gasoline prices, and even food prices.

Lesley Stahl, of CBS's 60 Minutes, speaks to graduates on Sunday. (Photo by Susan Kahn)

Stahl said seniors are leaving the beautiful Colgate campus and entering an "America not as happy as it has been in the past."

"We have allowed the terrorists to terrorize us into a society of timidity. We feel angst, and cold feet," she said.

But the country has showed resilience by bouncing back from similar "down" periods in our history, she said, because "courage and grit are in our DNA."

"We come from hearty stock," said Stahl. "All of us."

Note: The following is President Rebecca S. Chopp's prepared remarks to the Class of 2008.

On this day of joy and celebration, let us begin by thanking those who have made this occasion possible. Every graduate who walks across this stage is supported by many here at Colgate and at home who have worked hard to ensure the opportunities our students have enjoyed.

The family members and friends here today -- and waiting at home -- have made it possible for you to flourish. Join me in thanking your parents, grandparents, and other family members and friends who have supported your education in so many ways.

Thank you!

The online map allows you to click on a pushpin or a name to see what graduates will be doing - whether it's a job, graduate school program, or fellowship - and where they will be doing it.

"We're proud of what our seniors have accomplished during their four years here and prouder still of what we know they will accomplish after commencement," said Colgate President Rebecca S. Chopp. "Whether it's with the Peace Corps or on Wall Street, our graduates will make a difference in the world."