Commencement speaker receives mixed reactions

Approximately 740 University of Richmond students left the Robins Center yesterday with diplomas in hand after the school's 182nd commencement ceremony.

Commencement speaker Gov. Bob McDonnell urged the graduates to "Go make a difference," in an address containing anecdotes about service, faith and the university's growing global influence. He repeatedly praised and plugged the United States and Virginia, including the commonwealth's ranking as the best place for business by CNBC.

Alex Wiles, who graduated yesterday from the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, won a contest by the Office of Student Activities to give the student commencement speech. Touching on this year's theme of "Celebrating the Past: Creating the Future," Wiles described a drawing of Westhampton Lake Bridge she received from her high school drama teacher, a 1992 UR graduate. "The journey it represents is limitless," she said. "Take your time crossing the bridge."

As the graduates proceeded across the flower-adorned stage, cheers from the crowd sometimes drowned out the reader. According to Commencement Coordinator Anita Yearwood, between 3,500 and 4,000 people were expected to attend. Families expressed their joy with air horns and bells.

Graduates' reactions were mixed with regards to McDonnell's presence and speech at the commencement.

A graduate of the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, who identified himself only as Daniel, said that, as an international student, he was offended by the speech. "He was very nationalist," he said. "It was definitely not the speech I would have expected at a graduation."

Laura Zemcik, a graduate from the School of Arts and Sciences, said the politics did not matter to her. "I think it's a high honor to have a governor speak at your graduation," she said, "no matter what his political affiliation."

Contact staff writer Ben Panko at ben.panko@richmond.edu