Cosby entertains grads at May Commencement

Despite oppressive 80-degree temperatures, family and friends of graduates from the University's 12 schools gathered at Franklin Field May 19 for the 241st Commencement ceremony. Excited graduates -- topped in caps decorated with everything from slinkies to stuffed animals -- flocked into the stadium to take their seats, waving to the approximately 20,000 audience members who gathered to celebrate their achievement. Commencement speaker Bill Cosby -- who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University in 1990 -- agreed that the weather was stifling. "Eighteen years of school and you think this is something special -- to sit in the sun and pass out," he said. Cosby's speech -- which began with his famous Fat Albert greeting -- evoked laughter and applause from the crowd when he chided the graduates for their "C" grades and financial insecurity. But the tone of Cosby's speech became serious when he recalled a trip he and his wife took to South Africa's Robber Island. During the trip, Cosby talked to political prisoners who had to ask permission for a sip of water or to go to the bathroom. Under strict supervision of South African authorities, they had to hide the fact they were teaching other prisoners to read. After listening to the stories, Cosby said he and his wife wanted to know if the prisoners sought revenge once they were free. "And the answer, ladies and gentlemen, was 'No, we didn't have time to worry about revenge because we had goals'," he said. Cosby urged the graduating class to set their own goals. "You don't have time for revenge, and you don't have time for anger," he said. "The United States of America was not founded on giving a gift to every person, except one -- opportunity." Cosby told graduates that if they were born in America, they might not know the full meaning of the word, "as the immigrant who drives a cab or the immigrant who picks trash does." "But work your own opportunity," he concluded. University President Judith Rodin welcomed those in attendance and thanked the reunion classes of 1947 and 1972 for their generous contributions to the University. She added that the founders of the University would be astonished if they could see the Class of 1997. "And I'm not referring to the nose rings or rollerblades," Rodin said. She commented on the vast knowledge the graduates have accumulated in courses ranging from cognitive neuroscience to American modernism, urging students to "remember your academic heritage? Be proud of it." Rodin also conferred honorary degrees on eight recipients, including four Penn alumni. The ceremony concluded with the deans of the different schools presenting their graduates to Rodin, who officially confirmed their degrees.