Miles C. Collier's Greetings
Chairman of the Eckerd College Board of Trustees

President Eastman, Mr. Lehane, Dr. Cole, Dr. Tanaka, Your Excellency Mr. Bryant, Mayor Baker, Distinguished faculty, families, and guests, And Graduates of the Class of 2005.

Welcome to the 42nd Commencement of Eckerd College.

Yesterday afternoon the Board of Trustees granted the awarding of 502 bachelor's degrees to individuals who have earned their place in the Eckerd College community of scholars.

No other action that is required of the Board of Trustees brings as much pleasure and reward as the granting of degrees each May. Congratulations, Class of 2005!

No other class of college students in recent history has earned an education as significant as yours. You entered college when the nation was at peace. In the last four years, your education has been shaped by war, the loss of classmates and friends, and the wrath of mother nature.

No class of Eckerd College students has proven itself more resilient and more capable than yours to address the issues that shape our lives today.

Go forth and take charge, Class of 2005.