Trustee's Welcome

by Marty Erbaugh '70, University Trustee

­On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Denison University, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Denison's 163rd Annual Commencement exercises, concluding the 173rd year in the life of our institution.

This is a day of both reverence and celebration. Today you will join an illustrious assemblage of alumni, accomplished men and women who have passed through the halls of this distinguished institution. Many of them have moved on to positions of national and international leadership in science, letters, the arts, business, government, education, and religious life. We will honor Pam Houston, class of 1983, and Jack Meyer, class of 1967, whose accomplishments serve as shining examples of what Denison graduates can contribute to the world. We will pay tribute to Dr. Michael Armacost who will bring words that will undoubtedly inspire us to strive for excellence in our endeavors and dedication in our service.

On this day we also celebrate the culmination of your academic enterprise over the past four years and the promise of the future you will create. I am certain the Class of 2004 will produce leaders of great distinction and citizens of great worth. At least one of you may even return here someday to receive an Honorary Degree or to greet a future graduating class as the representative of the Board of Trustees.

On behalf of all alumni who have served as Trustees through the years, I thank you, Class of 2004, for what you allowed Denison to give you and for what you gave us in return. Congratulations, and welcome to the Society of the Alumni!