1995 Fredericton Encaenia - Ceremony B
Valedictory Address
Delivered by: McLean, Paul
Content
“Valedictorian Address” (25 May 1995): 1-2. (UA Case 68, Box 2)
Prior to putting this address together, I spoke with several friends to see if there were any major themes or ideas that they wanted addressed. Unfortunately, only two pints of consensus emerged: keep it short and avoid clichés. The first is relatively easy to comply with, the second may prove more difficult.
I say this because each year there seems to be several prevailing themes which wind their way through these valedictorian addresses. Phrases such as “fulfill your dreams” or “the future is ours” abound. Often, a smattering of Latin, such as “Carpe Diem” is thrown in for good measure. On their face, these make sense; we would all like a little reassurance as we enter an uncertain future.
However, I don’t think I need to tell you all that we can fulfill our dreams. If, at this late stage we cannot, then this institution has failed us. I also don’t think I need to tell you that the future is ours – time alone will dictate this. Rather, I think the more crucial question we should ask ourselves is now that the future is ours, what do we plan to do with it? Will we be content to carry out our lives as lawyers, nurses, historians, or politicians, accepting the status quo, or will we have the courage and conviction to strive for change and social justice?
Those that have gone before us have faced similar challenges, albeit on a much larger scale. Fifty years ago, over 42, 000 Canadians, not unlike ourselves, gave up their lives so that, among other freedoms, we could speak freely here today. Twenty-five years ago this month, four students died on the grounds of Kent State University, shot down by their National Guard while protesting the American involvement in Vietnam.
Unlike these past generations, the Class of 1995 did not face an issue so overwhelming, so overpowering, that it necessitated our complete involvement. It is because of this lack of a defining moment, of a rallying point, that the class of 1995, much like the Classes of 1994 and 1993, have been included in that pop-culture genealogical nightmare known as “Generation X”. I am not certain which is more depressing: the phrase and what it stands for or the fact that a Canadian coined it. However, one thing of which I am certain is that our generation has not required such mammoth causes to compel us to take action. There are more than enough less visible social ills which still pervade large segments of our society.
The Class of 1995 has, for the most part, already recognized this during our time here at UNB. One need look no further than the confines of this campus, where students have vocally opposed blatantly sexist tripe penned by a faculty member, fought against rising tuition fees and government funding cuts which threaten to make this institution a playground for the rich, and jumped into a frigid St. John River in the name of charity, often with a local mayor in tow.
However, we should not become complacent. During our time here, we have each, in our own way, become empowered to continue this process. Whether it be through speaking out against racist or homophobic attitudes, working for social or economic equality or striving for the acceptance of other cultures and minorities, by making these important, albeit less visible contributions, the Class of 1995 can do as those generations before us have done. To do anything less would be disservice.
Earlier, while dispelling some common clichés, I stated that while the future is ours, the key is what we planned to do with it. To paraphrase a former visitor to this campus, the late Robert F. Kennedy,
Thank you and best of luck.
Prior to putting this address together, I spoke with several friends to see if there were any major themes or ideas that they wanted addressed. Unfortunately, only two pints of consensus emerged: keep it short and avoid clichés. The first is relatively easy to comply with, the second may prove more difficult.
I say this because each year there seems to be several prevailing themes which wind their way through these valedictorian addresses. Phrases such as “fulfill your dreams” or “the future is ours” abound. Often, a smattering of Latin, such as “Carpe Diem” is thrown in for good measure. On their face, these make sense; we would all like a little reassurance as we enter an uncertain future.
However, I don’t think I need to tell you all that we can fulfill our dreams. If, at this late stage we cannot, then this institution has failed us. I also don’t think I need to tell you that the future is ours – time alone will dictate this. Rather, I think the more crucial question we should ask ourselves is now that the future is ours, what do we plan to do with it? Will we be content to carry out our lives as lawyers, nurses, historians, or politicians, accepting the status quo, or will we have the courage and conviction to strive for change and social justice?
Those that have gone before us have faced similar challenges, albeit on a much larger scale. Fifty years ago, over 42, 000 Canadians, not unlike ourselves, gave up their lives so that, among other freedoms, we could speak freely here today. Twenty-five years ago this month, four students died on the grounds of Kent State University, shot down by their National Guard while protesting the American involvement in Vietnam.
Unlike these past generations, the Class of 1995 did not face an issue so overwhelming, so overpowering, that it necessitated our complete involvement. It is because of this lack of a defining moment, of a rallying point, that the class of 1995, much like the Classes of 1994 and 1993, have been included in that pop-culture genealogical nightmare known as “Generation X”. I am not certain which is more depressing: the phrase and what it stands for or the fact that a Canadian coined it. However, one thing of which I am certain is that our generation has not required such mammoth causes to compel us to take action. There are more than enough less visible social ills which still pervade large segments of our society.
The Class of 1995 has, for the most part, already recognized this during our time here at UNB. One need look no further than the confines of this campus, where students have vocally opposed blatantly sexist tripe penned by a faculty member, fought against rising tuition fees and government funding cuts which threaten to make this institution a playground for the rich, and jumped into a frigid St. John River in the name of charity, often with a local mayor in tow.
However, we should not become complacent. During our time here, we have each, in our own way, become empowered to continue this process. Whether it be through speaking out against racist or homophobic attitudes, working for social or economic equality or striving for the acceptance of other cultures and minorities, by making these important, albeit less visible contributions, the Class of 1995 can do as those generations before us have done. To do anything less would be disservice.
Earlier, while dispelling some common clichés, I stated that while the future is ours, the key is what we planned to do with it. To paraphrase a former visitor to this campus, the late Robert F. Kennedy,
“the future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic towards common problems and their fellow citizens alike … Rather, it will belong to those who can blend passion, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals of the Canadian society.”If we can accept this challenge and continue to build on the contributions we have already made, then perhaps the Class of 1995 will not simply live in the future, but be deserving custodians of it.
Thank you and best of luck.
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