1986 Saint John Spring Convocation
Graduation Address
Delivered by: Pollock, M. Sharon
Content
"UNBSJ Grads Told Passion for Learning 'Tool for Survival'" Telegraph-Journal (24 May 1986). (UA Case 67, Box 2)
Honorary degree recipient Sharon Pollock told the 94 member graduating class of the University of Saint John that she wanted to give them a question mark—"yes, a question mark which is really an inverted plow, which breaks the hard soil of old beliefs and prepares for new growth."
In her convocation address she spoke of the importance of learning and maintaining a questioning and courageous attitude towards life. "Our passion for learning, learning itself, breaks through the shackles of time and constitutes our tool for survival."
She told her fellow graduates that their degrees, while not guaranteeing them jobs, have an infinite value.
"When you hold it in your hands, frame it, hang it on the wall, throw it in a drawer, give it to your mothers...it’s a silent witness to intellectual discipline and achievement, perseverance, commitment, loyalty, love, respect, sacrifice, hopes, dreams, family, friends, that’s why that degree has values."
Pollock also spoke of the graduates’ responsibility to society.
"I want you always to maintain that small inner gnawing doubt as to whether you’re right, for those who believe with complete certainty that they possess rightness darken the world with pain, cruelty, and injustice."
Honorary degree recipient Sharon Pollock told the 94 member graduating class of the University of Saint John that she wanted to give them a question mark—"yes, a question mark which is really an inverted plow, which breaks the hard soil of old beliefs and prepares for new growth."
In her convocation address she spoke of the importance of learning and maintaining a questioning and courageous attitude towards life. "Our passion for learning, learning itself, breaks through the shackles of time and constitutes our tool for survival."
She told her fellow graduates that their degrees, while not guaranteeing them jobs, have an infinite value.
"When you hold it in your hands, frame it, hang it on the wall, throw it in a drawer, give it to your mothers...it’s a silent witness to intellectual discipline and achievement, perseverance, commitment, loyalty, love, respect, sacrifice, hopes, dreams, family, friends, that’s why that degree has values."
Pollock also spoke of the graduates’ responsibility to society.
"I want you always to maintain that small inner gnawing doubt as to whether you’re right, for those who believe with complete certainty that they possess rightness darken the world with pain, cruelty, and injustice."
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