Hobart Students Launched
13 May 2012 Hobart Students Launched
The Hobart Class of 2012 joined the ranks of distinguished alumni during the annual Hobart Launch at Bozzuto Boathouse on Friday evening.
President of the Hobart Alumni Association Edward R. Cooper 86, P16 opened by encouraging the Classes of 2012 to give back to the Colleges, by volunteering, hosting an event or internship or simply offering advice. The money you give is a measure of how much you value your years at Hobart, noted Cooper.
Given this opportunity to reflect on my time here and all of the interactions with Hobart alumni since leaving, I advise you to challenge yourself to be successful, said alumnus speaker Thomas J. Rosa 86, who currently serves as senior vice president at Davis Vision. Success is a choice. Hobart has provided you with the fundamentals you need to succeed; you just have to choose to do so.
Student speaker Anthony A. Coletta 12 reminded his classmates that, while their courses had gifted them with knowledge, it would be the memories of times shared with friends that they would remember.
Here at Hobart is where we had it best, said Coletta. As we graduate, we go out into a world where we are like first-years all over again. Well question things and it wont be easy. But when it gets difficult, well have something that we didnt have four years ago: the character that we built here.
Following the address, John F. Collins P72, P74, P84, P90, GP09, GP12, who Rosa called one of the best ambassadors of Hobart, was inducted as an honorary member of the Class of 2012.
John F. Collins has served the HWS community for 35 years and has worked tirelessly in a number of roles on campus to help further the mission of HWS, said Brian Horn 12, who presented Collins with his honorary paddle. The Class of 2012 is proud to recognize him as one of our own and we extend to him our affectionate respect, congratulations and gratitude as we welcome him to the Hobart Class of 2012.
Also at the event, Andrew Donovan 12 was elected as the Class Correspondent, charged with reporting news of the class inThe Pulteney Street Survey.
Following the singing of the Hobart alma mater, Hobart Dean Eugen Baer P95, P97, HON 07 offered a benediction. The Hobart class of 2012 is special because your Commencement initiates an awesome countdown toward the Hobart Bicentennial in 2022, he noted. During your 10-year Reunion, we will celebrate 200 years of Hobart College.
The seniors made their way down to the water, where they were presented with a replica of the paddle used by the legendary Seneca Indian warrior Agayentah.
Your paddle symbolizes the great heritage of the college and the lifelong bond Statesmen share, said Director of Alumni Relations Jared Weeden 91.Use your paddle to make your way back to this shore as often as you can.
Alumni, faculty, staff, friends and family all gathered after the ceremony for photos and conversation with the newest members of the Hobart Alumni Association. The group celebrated their induction with cigars provided by Bill 85 and Larry 92 Sherman, who own the Nat Sherman Cigar Company, and Saranac beer provided by Fred Matt 81, who leads The Matt Brewing Company.