WEB UPDATE, June 14, 6 a.m.
Balancing humor with the sobriety of a message aimed at what he termed "the class of 9/11", former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw spoke to the Class of 2005 Sunday about the realities and responsibilities that come with entering "the real world."
Brokaw, whose career spanned news events ranging from the Cold War to September 11, warned the graduates that real life is unlike college or high school. Instead, said Brokaw, "real life is junior high."
"You can change that," Brokaw said. "In pursuit of your passions, always be young. In relations with others, always be a grown up."
Acknowledging the Class of 1955, who returned to Dartmouth this weekend in record numbers for their 50th reunion, Brokaw drew comparisons between the generation that was defined by World War II and the generation that is now defined by the events of September 11th.
In addition to emphasizing the sacrifices made by preceding generations, Brokaw recognized the young men and women of the armed forces serving in Iraq and around the world today, and urged the graduates to honor their sacrifices by taking charge of their own lives.
"You inherit a priceless honor of duty, of country, of citizenship. Cherish it," Brokaw said. "Return here someday to day I did my share and make your own claim to greatness."
Brokaw emphasized the need for greater awareness and understanding of views of the generations of young adults abroad, particularly in the Middle East.
"As you leave here in pursuit of your dream, try to imagine theirs. Take the lead in establishing common ground," said Brokaw, whose daughter graduated from Dartmouth Medical School in 1993.
In addition, Brokaw encouraged graduates to be mindful of the environment and to use their success to better the community.
"Eschew excess and embrace moderation," Brokaw said. "Use the money beyond what you need to save a life, a neighborhood, a community, the world. This is the most gratifying."
President Wright awarded Brokaw with an honorary degree as a Doctor of Human Letters, the seventh honorary degree held by Brokaw. Brokaw graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1962 with a Bachelor of the Arts in political science.
"Most of my classmates at the University of South Dakota thought my undergraduate degree was an honorary degree," said Brokaw, who has earned over six Emmy awards for his work in television journalism. Brokaw added that he was humbled to be in the company of the other recipients, who included longtime friend and accomplished civil rights activist Andrew Young.
