Waterston addresses GMC grads
Toolbox
By BRENDAN McKENNA Herald Staff - Published: May 14, 2006
Actor Sam Waterston, best known for his role in the television series "Law and Order," urged the 2006 graduates of Green Mountain College to seize the time they have to make a change in the world.
The actor urged the graduates to work hard over the next 20 years, which he said will be a pivotal time for the environmental future of the world.
"Twenty years may seem like a long tome for you, but it seems like a short time from here. … Nature proceeds without reaction to our feelings," he said.
Waterston said that if environmental problems are not fixed within the next 20 years the changes may become irreversible, leaving Vermont a high desert or New York another Venice, he said.
"Twenty years isn't a long time to do what needs to be done. … The news is we've got 20 years to change course big time," he said. "Time is short in a way it's never been short in human history since the time of Noah."
But Waterston also had words of hope along with his warning for the graduates.
"Things are looking up," he said, pointing out how states and cities across America are looking to air pollution measures, even though the Kyoto environmental protocols have not been adopted nationally.
The actor also challenged students to prove wrong a prediction he had read recently that democracies are incapable of long-term action on issues like the environment.
"I wonder if there might not be a few Green Mountain College graduates willing to demonstrate the error in that way of thinking," he said. "Even if you lose, you'll know that when the most important struggle of our time came, you were in it up to your elbows. And if you win you will have earned a celebration.
"Time is short, let's get on our way," he added.
Waterston's message resonated with the graduates of a college that heavily emphasizes environmental learning, though Amanda Fernandes, the class speaker who followed Waterston, first made sure to get the actor's autograph.
"My mom is a huge fan so I need to get your signature," Fernandes said, adding that one of the "things I've learned since I've been here … is when you have the opportunity to do something you have to jump on it, because you only get one chance."
Fernandes, who accepted a marriage proposal made on stage during the college choral concert Friday night, also added her own words of wisdom for her fellow graduates.
"The most important lesson I've learned at GMC is that college, work, play, life is a struggle, and you guys are up to the challenge," she said. "GMC is not for everyone, but for us it was perfect."
College President John Brennan added his own congratulations before the commencement, and as he urged the students to hold onto the relationships they've formed at and with the college, he added a piece of welcome news for Green Mountain's future.
As of Friday, he said, the college has raised $4.2 million, passing the halfway point in the $8 million capital campaign.
"Class of 2006, your list of accomplishments is lengthy and an endless source of pride for me and the faculty," he said. "This is one of the most important days of your lives. It has been said that from those who have been given much, much is expected. We have great expectations for you."
Contact Brendan McKenna at brendan.mckenna@rutlandherald.com.
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