Congrats To Local College Grads

A number of colleges hold commencement exercises this weekend, and we congratulate the "Class of 2012". Locally, two graduations of note take place: Syracuse University and Utica College, my alma mater.

SU's convocation ceremonies are Saturday, with commencement on Sunday. Aaron Sorkin is the keynote speaker. According to SU's website,

"Aaron Sorkin ’83, award-winning screenwriter for films such as “A Few Good Men,” “The American President,” “The Social Network” and “Moneyball,” as well as TV shows including “Sports Night,” “West Wing,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” and HBO’s upcoming drama “The Newsroom,” will deliver the 2012 Commencement address at the joint ceremony for Syracuse University, Syracuse University College of Law and the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) on Sunday, May 13, in the Carrier Dome."

Also this Sunday, Utica College holds commencement. The keynote speaker is Malaak Compton-Rock. According to UC's website,

A graceful and inspirational force, Malaak Compton-Rock lives by her favorite Marian Wright Edelman quote: “Service is the rent we pay for living.” As wife of superstar comedian Chris Rock, a judge on Oprah’s Big Give, and a successful public relations executive who has lent her talents to cause-related marketing for organizations such as UNICEF, she is a powerful combination of celebrity and service.

 

Focusing on issues that are close to her heart, including youth, women’s empowerment and education, Compton-Rock created The Angelrock Project as a way to encourage volunteerism. An e-village, the foundation promotes social responsibility and encourages people to live a life of service."

The author of If It Takes a Village, Build One, Compton-Rock shares an inspirational message for everyone who ever wanted to make a difference in life."