Fagin gives speech as term nears end

For Interim President Claire Fagin, the University's 238th commencement ceremony marked both a beginning and an ending. It was the first and only University class to graduate during her term in office -- but it was also probably her last big public appearance as interim president. During the ceremony, Fagin discussed her year in office and was presented with a surprise award for her accomplishments. In her speech to the Class of 1994, Fagin talked about the problems which plagued the University during her term, and how she tried to solve them. She said people must first acknowledge their problems, and then work together to solve them with constructive steps. Citing examples of injustice and prejudice, Fagin said it was important to recognize that these social problems exist, "and that no group is immune from infection." "We must take ownership of these problems as ours, redefine them into manageable parts and take those first, small steps toward possible solutions through compromise and consensus," she said. Fagin also stressed that optimism, for her, is a key to success. "Learning to use optimism does not mean looking at the world with a happy face -- rather, it means taking a 'can do' attitude and using learned skills and knowledge to make something happen," she said. "It means learning how to redefine our problems, especially big, insurmountable problems, into smaller solvable ones. Fagin added that people must solve problems "now," and not put them off "to be solved tomorrow or 'someday.'" Later in the ceremony, Fagin was presented with an unannounced honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The award came after Fagin presented five other people -- including keynote speaker and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros -- with honorary degrees. University Trustees Chairperson Alvin Shoemaker presented Fagin's degree, congratulating and praising her for her contributions to the University. Calling Fagin "an 'interim' president with a lasting influence an impact," Shoemaker awarded her a Doctor of Laws degree. "A caregiver but never a mere caretaker, you applied in one whirlwind year [a] passion for the right thing and the energy to carry it out," he said to Fagin. "You committed your presidency to the shaping of common ideals, reaching out to the most alienated and tapping the resources of goodness." Fagin, who said she was greatly enjoying the festivities of Alumni Weekend, Ivy Day and commencement, took a break afterward to fly to Paris with her husband. She will return to the University at the end of the month for her last 30 days as Interim President, preparing for a smooth administrative transition.