President Celeste shares thoughts on the end of his “junior year” as president.

Beautiful blue skies and warm weather complemented the bright smiles of the class of 2005 as they marched onto Armstrong Quad for Commencement on May 23. The event marked the completion of an exciting and memorable phase in the educational adventures of 431 people who were conferred bachelor of arts degrees and 17 who earned master of arts in teaching degrees.

Neal Baer ’78 delivers the Commencement address.

Following tradition, the class of 2005 selected a keynote speaker who exemplifies academic diversity and service. Physician and television producer Neal Baer ’78 delivered the keynote address, “Tell Me a Story.” Baer said, “Each of you has a story that has gripped you, changed the way you thought about the world, or moved you to tears… Take your stories and your passions and turn them into potent barbs to fight dogmatism and bigotry.”

Baer told the graduates, “You don’t have to be a television writer to have an impact…Work in grassroots organizations. Testify before the legislature. Run for the Senate. Debate your enemies. March for justice. Stand for truth. Teach…You have much to do from this day on. Use the tools you’ve learned here and speak out.”

A happy Marnita Rodriguez '05 surveys Armstrong quad.

Baer is executive producer of the television series, “Law and Order, Special Victims Unit.” As the former executive producer for “E.R.,” he received three Emmy award nominations. Baer graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1996; he serves on the boards of numerous organizations related to family and adolescent health.

Ryan Segal ’05, senior class president, addresses fellow graduates.

Recalling the rich experiences of college, class president Ryan Segal ’05 encouraged fellow graduates, “Cherish the relationships you made here in college. The countless interactions we have had throughout life mold us into who we ultimately are as individuals. The friends who went through this amazing and dynamic experience right beside us are truly a unique group.”

Segal continued, “Today is the day we become college graduates. We have a chance to start the next chapter in our lives making positive impacts in the communities around us. There are countless reasons why we should continue to live our lives as open-minded and compassionate people.”

President Richard F. Celeste presented honorary degrees to Susannah Heschel, activist and prominent scholar in Jewish studies; Roy R. Romer, former governor of Colorado; and the late Kay Deen Patterson, community servant.

To view more Commencement photos and read a transcript of Baer’s remarks, see www.ColoradoCollege.edu/Commencement