EDITORIAL: Much Improved

The Class of 1946 took action,The Class of 1946 took action,and we possess the power andThe Class of 1946 took action,and we possess the power andresponsibility to do the same.The Class of 1946 took action,and we possess the power andresponsibility to do the same._______________________________ Standing before a stadium of unfamiliar faces, he came as a guest, a role model and a mentor. The red carpet was rolled out on Franklin Field, degree candidates -- now graduates -- on either side. Alumni, the Class of '96, faculty members, administrators, relatives and friends filled the air with pride and energy, awe and respect. It was the fifty-year reunion for the Class of '46. "I am in awe of them," Brokaw said. For they won. They built the country and helped shape the world we live in. It has been a time of great discovery and progress, of technological and social advances and change. Brokaw urged the graduates to inspire awe in future generations and graduating classes to come. Listen. Hear the words and the message, and rise to meet the challenge. Go forth with pride and determination, love of accomplishment, and an understanding of the power and responsibility that rests on your shoulders. For we have power as citizens, as students and as teachers; and we do have a responsibility. It is our world and our time -- now and in years to come. And the power we possess is not hinged solely on the degree we'll receive or the school where we'll earn it. And the responsibility doesn't come solely after graduation. The Class of '46 was handed the world in a state of economic depression and segregation. They picked it up when it was screaming, and they did not put it down. It is ours now, and it is still not silent -- nor should it be. The world cries of both progress and problems. We are closer to gender and ethnic equality than we were 50 years ago, but we have not yet arrived. Genocide and terrorism, spousal and child abuse and a host of other problems continue to exist in our world. Our world is not perfect, but we are not helpless. We are armed with knowledge and ability, and hopefully determination. We have the example and progress of the Class of '46, their predecessors and those who followed them. We are well-armed. So Class of '96 and other members of this generation, accept with confidence the responsibility that is rightfully yours. Go forth and save our planet, handing it to its future guardians in a condition superior to its present state. Inspire awe. We are counting on you.