Class of 2005, congratulations on your accomplishments!
When you walk a cross the stage today, diploma in hand, you will be headed out into the real world. Some of you will begin your career immediately, others of you will continue your education in professional and graduate schools, while others will de vote your time after Dartmouth to service. In the years to come, you will achieve great things. In 50 years, your class will boast statesmen, business leaders, renowned scholars, artists, humanitarian leaders and workers for the common good.
Instead of offering words of wisdom, let us offer our gratitude to you, seniors. During our brief time with you, we've learned much. We've looked up to you, admired your accomplishments, prowled about Novack after-hours with you, played pong with you, worked on campaigns with you, turned to you for advice, loved you, and have had part of our Dartmouth experience defined by you. You will be sorely missed.
As you leave Dartmouth -- though certainly not for the last time -- rest assured that your legacy remains. The granite of New Hampshire will not for get you, nor will those of us who remain. The friends, the all-nighters, the thesis presentations, the smell of stale Keystone, the stars viewed from the golf course, swimming in the river at night, the bands, the parties, the competitions, the travel, the hard work, the hard play, the snowball fights, the Salty Dog, the bonfire, Keggy the Keg, 9/11 and the Indiana Jones theme pealing from the bells in Baker Tower -- these things will never leave you. Dartmouth is a part of you forever, just as you are a part of Dartmouth.
Though it may be scary leaving this home of the last four years, you are not alone. The friends you've found will last a lifetime.
Thanks for the memories, '05s, and best of luck in your future.
