During Sunday’s commencement ceremony at Syracuse University, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Remnick declared the class of 2014 to be the “greatest graduating class of Syracuse University thus far.”

The 160th commencement ceremony saw more than 5,000 graduates seated on the field of the Carrier Dome with friends and family cheering them on in the bleachers. The day’s events included comments from SU Chancellor Kent Syverud, President of the SU Alumni Association Laurie Taishoff and Remnick, who served as the keynote speaker.

Remnick — an award-winning  journalist, writer and editor — has written various books, and earned a Pulitzer Prize for his 1994 book, “Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire.” Remnick is currently the editor of The New Yorker, a position he’s held since 1998. He previously worked as a reporter and correspondent for The Washington Post.

Remnick’s speech was one of hope and promise for the future. The speech was met with laughter and applause from the audience as Remnick told the graduates the importance of remembering that there are always more barriers to overcome.

“As humans, we are always living partly in the dark,” Remnick said. “We are depending on your vision.”

Remnick reminded the seniors that they are citizens of the world and have a duty to continue the progression of those who preceded them. He talked about some of the many advances that have been made in medicine, technology and society as a whole, but also noted some of the struggles that are still present.

During his speech, Remnick put a simple theme into perspective for the students: the road ahead of them would have many obstacles and it would be up to them to make a difference. He discussed issues that were present in the past and are still relevant today.

He gave the example of deceased SU alumnus and rock ‘n’ roll legend Lou Reed, whose parents put him under electroconvulsive therapy to “relieve” him of his bisexuality in the 1950s. He compared that to the present day, where the LGBT community continues to fight for equality.

Remnick also spoke about the recurring issues of racism in the country.

“If you think racism is dead, you know nothing of Trayvon Martin,” Remnick said. “If you think racism is dead, you know nothing about driving or trying to hail a cab while black or brown in America,” he said, adding that the graduates must start to “look beyond your own house.”

The address was well received by many of the graduates, including Simon Bryant, who received a degree in communications and rhetorical studies.

“The speech was great,” Bryant said. “It reminded me that I’m not just graduating and trying to succeed in this world for only me, but for my family.”

Kabrina Brathwaite, who graduated with a degree in public health, said she was moved by Remnick’s speech.

“As a young black woman, hearing someone so distinguished acknowledge some of the obstacles I face as I leave Syracuse and enter the real world makes me believe that I can have an impact on the world,” she said. “I am ready to leave my footprints and make a change.”

 

 

 

Published on May 11, 2014 at 7:53 pm

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