Ohio Wesleyan University | Connect2 OWU | February 4, 2010: News & Views

February 4, 2010: News & Views

Ohio Wesleyan seniors react to news that U.S. Sen. John McCain, the 2008 GOP presidential candidate, would give their Commencement address. The announcement was made during a 100-Day Senior Countdown event at the Ross Art Museum.

Photo by Shade Fakunle ’10

2010 Commencement
U.S. Sen. John McCain to speak at May 9 graduation ceremony

Sen. John McCain

Photo courtesy of the United States Congress

“[I]f the happy pursuits and casual beauty of youth prove ephemeral, something better can endure, and endure until our last moment on earth. And that is the honor we earn and the love we give if at a moment in our lives we sacrifice for something greater than self-interest.”

In 1997, U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, shared these words with Ohio Wesleyan University seniors ready to accept their diplomas and begin the next chapter of their lives.

On May 9, 2010, McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, will return to Ohio Wesleyan to discuss character and service, and to inspire a new generation of OWU seniors.

In announcing McCain as the 2010 Commencement speaker, Jeffrey Thongsawath, senior class president, and Jamie Castelvetere, a member of the senior class advisory council and a graduation committee representative, told the campus community:

McCain “is not only an elder statesman but a military hero who has dedicated his life to public service. Politics aside, we believe he is a positive role model for Ohio Wesleyan students and for all young people across the country.”

Throughout its history, Ohio Wesleyan seniors have heard from an exciting array of Commencement speakers, including Shirley Temple Black in 1974 and tennis star Arthur Ashe in 1991, as well as OWU alumni Norman Vincent Peale ’20 in 1984 and 1992, and CBS National News and “60 Minutes” correspondent Byron Pitts ’82 in 2006.

Click here to read more about McCain and OWU’s 2010 Commencement ceremony.

– Cole Hatcher