OLIVET, Mich. Olivet College recognized 128 graduates during commencement ceremonies Sunday, May 18 on the colleges Blair Hall lawn. Both spring and summer graduates were acknowledged.

Commencement speaker Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Marylands first woman Lt. Governor, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. State Rep. Michael Murphy of Lansing received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

During her commencement address, Townsend encouraged Olivet College graduates to explore the frontiers of their imagination.

You will find your path in life and you can accomplish great things, said Townsend. But you have to be daring. You need passion, and you need to keep alive your appetite for adventure. Try new things and travel to places youve never seen. Use your imagination, dream, and then follow those dreams with vigor and with joy.

During her tenure as Lt. Governor, Townsend created the statewide office of Character Education; required all high school students to perform community service; established the Maryland Police Corps, recruiting and training young people to serve as police officers; and created the HotSpots program, bringing together law enforcement and community leaders to fight crime.

Murphy is serving his second term as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. He sits on the House Commerce, Energy and Technology, and Transportation committees, and is co-chair of the Legislative Childrens Caucus. Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Murphy was a member of the Lansing City Council, serving his last year as president.

Murphy currently serves on the Capital City African-American Cultural Association board, and is the pastor and founder of the St. Stephens Community Church, United Church of Christ in Lansing.

« Back