Schumer to Clarkson grads: 'Go for it'

POTSDAM — The 117th graduating class of Clarkson University got some unusual advice from an unusual speaker.

U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer told the nearly 600 students who received degrees Saturday not to fear making mistakes. It was the first time the senator addressed an outgoing Clarkson class.

He spread his message by telling stories about some of his own mistakes and near-mistakes, like the time he chose the girl over the scholarship to travel the world with all expenses paid. And the risk he took running for state Assembly as a 23-year-old.

"Sometimes you'll make the wrong choice," he said. "But if you make the right choice — with a lot of hard work, a little luck and some prayer — your life will be renewed and enriched forever."

His conclusion? "Go for it."

If the speech from senior class President Krystal Pomerville is any indication, the class is ready for the challenge.

"Throughout the last four years as a group, we have contributed a lot of energy, passion and knowledge to this university," she said. "And as we begin to separate on our own paths again, I have no doubt that this group will do the same wherever it is that we may go."

Ms. Pomerville, who presented university President Anthony G. Collins with a $35,072 check from the class to build a fire pit at the student center, also recognized the support on which the students have thrived that's helped to get them to where they are today.

"We want to recognize our families for all the support you have provided us through the years," she said, "whether it be through the sharing of your knowledge, the daily phone calls that we sometimes dreaded, your constant reminders of how proud you were of us, and helping us out financially as we learned the joys of being a broke college student."

Carl B. Mack, executive director of the National Society of Black Engineers and honorary degree recipient, echoed that sentiment by asking the audience and students to stand and applaud professors Eugene M. Fodor, Sung P. Lin and John N. Serio, who were honored as professors emeritus for teaching for 41, 44 and 36 years respectively.

Mr. Mack spoke about the challenges facing the world today as opportunities for greatness going forward.

"My advice to you today, the graduating class of 2010, is to pursue your greatness," he said. "And that greatness means that you are going to pursue something that is bigger than you, something that is far more special than you."

Synthetic Genomics Inc. founder and CEO J. Craig Venter, who also received an honorary degree, said not shying away from these challenges is what leads to success. Mr. Venter's company uses genome research to deal with energy and environmental issues.

"Will you be among the ones who later in your lives feel you have made a difference, or will you be one of the majority wishing you might have done something more with your life?" he asked.

Martin J. Fisher, co-founder and CEO of KickStart International, which develops technology to fight poverty, also received an honorary degree.

The son of a renowned physicist, Mr. Fisher spoke about his early days out of college and the path he took to discover his passion.

"Firstly, never be handcuffed by the expectations of others; most likely all they really want anyway is for you to be happy," he said. "Secondly, always allow yourself to chase your dreams, and values, and use your education."

Andrew D. Davis and Jason R. Holloway received the university's highest undergraduate awards, the Levinus Clarkson and the Frederica Clarkson awards, respectively.

Narayanan Neithalath and Joseph D. Skufca received the John W. Graham Jr. Faculty Research Award.