Commencement
Unity class urged to 'get involved'
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
UNITY — Retired Professor David Purdy told Unity College graduates Saturday they should get involved in politics.
Erica Foster hugs Prof. Edward Beals at Unity College's commencement Saturday.
click to enlarge
Purdy said he wasn't urging them to become senators or representatives but, at the very least, involve themselves with local and community politics, and take an active interest in the world around them.
To turn their backs is to do nothing, Purdy said.
"Like it or not, (politics are) there. Decisions are being made all the time," he said. "If you walk away from a political decision, you're leaving it to somebody else."
Purdy told the graduates at commencement they are being force-fed a one-sided view of what's happening in the world by television and news media, which he said are in many cases all owned by the same huge corporation. He said the graduates should seek answers for themselves, a voice of their own.
"There are thousands of nongovernmental organizations, through the community and the neighborhoods that we don't think of as political, but are," Purdy said. He pointed to the Unity Barnraisers as a good example of the good that can be accomplished by community groups.
Purdy, who joined Unity College in the fall of 1976 as a professor of political science and retired in 2001, also encouraged the graduates to protect the environment, telling them one person can make a difference.
He spoke of a woman who had started a grass-roots movement for the ethical treatment of animals that today has the meat industry taking a hard look at how it raises and slaughters animals.
Suggesting they read "Fast Food Nation," Purdy joked: "Read that book and if you don't vomit, that means you're OK, you can keep on eating."
Purdy ended his speech reciting Greek poetry from "Ithaca" and giving a copy to the graduates, joking that it would be his last handout "and there won't be any quiz."
A special citation was given to Mount View High School student Eleanor J. Brugger of Freedom, for her commitment to the environment, conservation and community service.
Prof. Barry Woods said Brugger's work began years ago when she was a member of Brownie Troop 6, which prepared food bags for the Unity Regional Food Pantry. Since then, Brugger has dedicated her free time to many similar efforts and has participated in every Unity College Day of Service with either her Girl Scout troop, her family or by herself, according to Woods.
Jay Espy, president and chief executive of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, was recognized for his contribution to protecting the character of Maine's coast.
Special awards given to graduating seniors included the Faculty Award to Jennifer L. Nagy, the Marshall Gerrie Award to Joshua D. Heath, the Dean's Award to Jamie-Lynn Sheehy and the Board of Trustees' Award to Stephen M. Agius.
The President's Award went to Nancy K. Anderson. It is given annually to a superior graduate who demonstrates strength in academic and extracurricular activities, and makes an overall contribution to the growth of Unity College.
Darla L. Pickett — 474-9534, Ext. 343
dpickett@centralmaine.com