Moving Beyond Our Own Clones

Math instructor Catherine Holden passes out commencement programs.

As I looked into the eyes of the young man I had selected when I participated in this exercise, I wondered what it would be like to be a young teacher looking up at that face at the head table in faculty meeting. I decided that his ready look of laughter would be a good thing, that he could defuse tension and overcome ego by seeing the humor in difficult situations. But the exercise proved challenging, because I realized at that moment that I hadn't ever really thought about someone doing my job who wasn't actually a clone.

I am willing to wager that I am typical in that regard. How many of us spend much time imagining our jobs or roles in society being filled by people very different than we are? But look at the faces before you: They will succeed us in our jobs and improve on our performance, overcome our shortcomings and leave their own mark on humanity's passage on this earth. Consider the variety of appealing minds and attitudes the class of 2001 presents. Hailing from almost all of the states and many foreign countries, they represent a diversity that foreshadows the future of this country. We know from the most recent census that Caucasians are a minority in many of the nation's major urban areas. The mix of people and heritages in this complex nation is steadily growing more diverse; and in the years to come the business leaders, scientists, public servants and even principals of our nation must understand the needs and the strengths of such a complex society.

I can't imagine that anyone is having difficulty finding a face among the class of 2001 who looks like a likely prospect to succeed you in your job. More likely, you're facing the dismaying prospect I face when I look out at students gathered for assembly and think, "Are there any of these kids who couldn't do my job?" Sometimes in the race of life, it's less than comforting to know that the Exeter wolf pack is on your heels!

Marcia Tingley

In fact, one of the distinguishing characteristics of this class is that they are far, far better able than most of their peers to accept the challenge of succeeding the current generation in the leadership of this country and the world. They have learned (sometimes finding it a hard lesson) to trust those who are different in every way from what they have known as "normal." The climate of this residential school, the hours spent in intense conversation around the Harkness table-the Exeter experience is an extraordinary education in growing accustomed to resolving differences.

And their comfort in living as part of a diverse community may prove a challenge to the members of this class. Most people do not instinctively trust those who are different. The diversity of the human spirit we come to enjoy around the Harkness table is a strength this community can share with the world. The class of 2001 is well suited to share this lesson with others.

Following the ceremony, Rebecca Zeidel '02 congratulates her dormmate Denise Chu.

As I looked at the young Exonian whom I had selected from the pile of photographs on the table, I wondered if the 14th principal of Exeter could be a person of color. Exeter has existed for 220 years under Caucasian leadership. But as I compared that face to my 12 predecessors who stare at me in the Assembly Hall every week, it seemed clear that his smile was as energizing as Principal William Saltonstall's, his gaze as acute as Principal Benjamin Abbot's, and his training more suited than any of us to lead a great school in an age of instantaneous global communication.

Those in the class of 2001 who are already getting your résumés ready, sit back in your seats. The 13th principal isn't even close to giving up his chair; but when your time comes, you will be ready for the challenge of leadership as no other generation before you.

'The Mystery of This Moment' An invocation by Gwyneth McClendon '01 Let us gather our thoughts, concerns, hopes and prayers. Let us pray. Gwyneth McClendon '01 O God, whose presence, in whatever form, has supported us in moments of joy and sadness, enlightenment and fatigue, be with us now. Be with us now as time stands still, and as all that lies behind and all that lies ahead are caught up in the mystery of this moment. We thank You for the hopes and triumphs of this day. We thank You for the beauty of our families and friends. With Your help, our minds and hearts have learned the value of commitment and the discipline of understanding. Thank You for thoughts carefully articulated around the Harkness table, for emotions that have compelled us to express our deepest selves in music, in sports and in personal relationships. Thank You for the power to forgive, as well as the power to seek justice. Thank You for freshness of mind and eagerness of spirit, for the ability to learn again what we thought we knew. As we go forth from here, help us to be intent on our journeys and not just on the fruits of our deeds. Guide us with the power of insight. Give us strength, determination and patience. Grant that, by understanding our individual limitations, we will begin to realize the joy that comes only from community. So, as we leave the tables and intimate gatherings of this school, be with us as we build new relationships. Help us to know that there are words of truth and peace that will never be spoken unless we speak them and acts of healing that will never be done unless we do them. In our love for You and in our hopes for this class and for the future, we pray for everlasting courage and compassion. Amen.