Excerpts from Beverly Sills' Commencement Address

In her Commencement remarks, operatic diva Beverly Sills urged the graduating class to take matters of heart to heart and "get involved." "Stop referring to the government as 'they,' " she said. " 'They' are us. They're in Washington by our grace. If we like them, we should keep them there, but if not, we should get them out." She noted, "People are reluctant to ask questions, the answers to which might upset people. People say one voice won't make much difference, but one articulate voice can attract 1,000 more. It's more important for one of you out there to be that one voice . . . [Y]ou can use one vote to inform others ... if you do have a message, then by all means grab the bull by the horns."

James Stuart Holden '35 Judge, U.S. District Court in Vermont Doctor of Laws

As a jurist you have not been content to be merely a good judge not even simply a very good judge. Universally respected for fairness, rectitude, and wisdom, during your years as chief justice of the Vermont Supreme Court you led the way in making changes in the state's judicial system that have had far-reaching beneficial effects

In the presence of your admiring classmates, and almost in sight of beloved , state you have served so well, your College is delighted to acknowledge the achievement of so distinguished a son.

Beverly Sills Opera singer Doctor of Fine Arts

It is as if the term "prima donna" was created with you in mind, for that is the only expression that, in its most literal sense, does full justice to your place in this nation's musical life. You are precisely, uniquely, the "First Lady" of American opera; and you have described yourself as being not "happy" but "cheerful" — explaining that a happy woman has no cares whatever, whereas a cheerful woman has cares and, yet, learns to ignore and rise above them. This underscores what is perhaps the supreme fact of your life: that every experience, even the most heartrending, has strengthened the magnanimity of spirit that sets you apart from others.

Norris Cotton former New Hampshire Congressman and Senator Doctor of Laws

You have never flinched from asserting political philosophy in which you have believed, nor from pressing hard for political goals you have adopted. But such has never taken precedence over your respect for fairness and decency or your devotion to serving the fundamental best interests of your native state.

The Norris Cotton Cancer Center, located just two blocks north of where we are gathered, exists as a manifestation ... of the high regard in which you were held by those with whom you were associated in Washington. Perhaps even of greater significance . . . [is] the work of that unique resource-facility, ... a further, ongoing tribute to you and your worthy achievements.

Maria Tallchief Dancer Doctor of Fine Arts

A descendant of an Osage chief and a woman of Scotch-Irish heritage, your incredible career has been motivated by self-discipline and a dedication to perfection. At fifteen you danced at the Hollywood Bowl; in the year you were graduated from high school you became a member of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo; an only a few months later you were described in The New York Times as one of e season's real discoveries." But it was when you had reached the grand old age of 22 that you helped launch a golden age in American ballet, by pining your Me Russe choreographer and mentor, George Balanchine in transforming the Ballet Society into the New York City Ballet. In the course of bringing such delight to so many, you had become the first American-born ballerina ever to achieve international stardom.