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Longwood Class of 2003 graduates May 10 Longwood graduates were urged at Commencement to be honest, to work hard at their relationships and to enjoy "the ride of life."
"Whatever you do in the years to come, do those things with honor and integrity - it will keep you grounded and inspire confidence and respect," said Tina Barrett, a 1988 Longwood graduate and professional golfer who was the speaker for this year's ceremony on May 10. "Nobody likes a cheater and there are no shortcuts. Golf, like life, requires hard work and practice and takes tremendous patience. Work hard at your job and at home with your family. Work hard to keep in touch with your friends. But be patient with your relationships and your career - they will evolve and develop over time." In the first Commencement since Longwood became a university, some 716 bachelor's and 106 master's degrees were awarded, of whom some 692 graduates walked. Two graduates were handed their diploma by a family member with a Longwood connection. Brendan Burke of Amelia, who graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in history and anthropology, was given his diploma by his mother, Dr. Helen Warriner-Burke, a member of the Longwood Board of Visitors and herself a Longwood alumna (Class of 1956). Melinda "Mindy" Shawn Pierson of Farmville, who graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in liberal studies, was given her diploma by her husband, Dr. Tim Pierson, Longwood's vice president for student affairs. Burke will enter William & Mary's master's program in historical archaeology this fall, and Mrs. Pierson, who also has a bachelor's degree in education from Michigan State University, is seeking an elementary teaching position in the Farmville area.
Catharyne Grace Light also received the Dan Daniel Senior Award for Scholarship and Citizenship. She is the youngest of four sisters to attend Longwood.
"Golf is in many ways a game of failure, yet success is wrought from overcoming failure," Barrett told the graduates. "Life gets bumpy, the work gets hard, kids get messy, things happen, but if you have worked hard at your relationships, shown patience and honesty and integrity, you have a foundation that cannot be taken away. And the ride of life is yours to enjoy." Barrrett noted that she has been on "quite the wild ride - literally. I have traveled to Japan, Korea, Mexico, all but two provinces in Canada, Australia, England, Scotland, France, Austria and all but a few states in the U.S. I have been stuck in airports overnight and stayed in hotel rooms where I was afraid to take off my shoes. I have also stayed in world-class resorts for free and traveled in the lap of luxury. I have met former presidents and famous actors and athletes. I have been down to my last dollar and have been able to pay for almost anything, and everywhere in between. I have been cheered for making a 50-foot putt and jeered for missing a one-footer. It's a crazy game I play for a living." She recalled sitting at her graduation ceremony "on this same Wheeler Mall in my gown with my cap that said 'Longwood Golf #1' on the top of it spelled out in masking tape...Never in a million years did I think that I would be back here 15 years later to speak to you." "Life can be harsh and tough and messy, bad things can happen to good people, but I am an optimist and I love the spirit of this country and of this institution," Barrett said in concluding her remarks. "I feel confident in your futures because I sat where you are today a mere 15 years ago and I have had the honor to be invited back. Work hard, play hard, stay true to yourselves, and enjoy this amazing ride." |
