Winter grads bid adieu at commencement By Tiffany Maggard Daily Staff Reporter An atmosphere of sentimentality and reflection changed the character of Crisler Arena the afternoon of Dec. 19 when it took a break from the raucous basketball season to host the commencement ceremony for the University's last graduating class of the century. Nearly 2,000 graduating students flooded Crisler Arena finding themselves embraced by a graduation theme focused on the turn of the century. University representatives reminded the graduates of their special place as not only the final class of the century, but also as the final class of the first millennium. University Senate Advisory Committee for University Affairs Chair Sherrie Kossoudji was the first to spark the millennium theme by discussing Y2K apprehension and addressing the fact that the turn of the century represents an example of the on-going process of change. "What worked in the past will not get us through the gateway of 2000," Kossoudji said. "You know you're the last of the students graduating in this century," University President Lee Bollinger said. "But human conditions, in so many ways, remain unchanged." Bollinger reflected on the preservation of human character at the University throughout the past century, despite the major changes the institution has seen. During his address, he cited changes in the size of the student body, salary increases and the integration of diverse student backgrounds that have resulted from the presence of students from around the globe. Bollinger highlighted the University's pivotal role in the evolving relationship between teaching and research and the changes in curriculum, which have affected student opportunities. While the University has solidified its values, character and integrity through the relationship of past and present students and faculty who have "written" its history, Bollinger assured the 1999 graduates of their essential role in its future. "You," Bollinger told the graduates, "are writing the final pages." Bollinger went on to remind the graduates of the importance of their individual lives and experiences to the University. "The mind moves naturally to a higher view of things. No one but you knows all that is involved - the doubt, the hard work and the sheer role of goodness." Student speaker Peter Victor Katona spoke directly to his fellow graduates as he recognized the new millennium and expressed pride in the character the University has grown to emanate during the past two centuries. "We start a new phase of our lives ... just days before the world embarks on a new era," Katona said. "Choose your own adventure - and decide who you will be. Just like people most admire Michigan as a well-rounded school, we should encourage each other to model ourselves after our alma mater," Katona said. Honorary degrees were presented to Neeme Jarvi, music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the National Orchestra of Sweden in Gothenburg; Grace Paley, American short story writer; and Romano Prodi, president of the Commission of the European Community and former prime minister of Italy. Prodi, who gave the keynote address, reflected on the social movement in Europe and its development in the last century, including long-time needs to reform taxes, education and social security in various parts of Europe. Prodi expressed his confidence in the "potential for a truly dynamic economy" in Europe. "There is no better time than the beginning of the millennium to make the dreams of our founding fathers come true for the benefit of ourselves," he said. After Bollinger recognized the last class of the 20th Century one final time, everyone present in the arena helped close the ceremony with the University's alma mater. The ecstatic graduates prolonged the celebration when they picked up the beat of the solemn alma mater and ignited a burst of energy among the crowd with a performance of "The Victors." Originally on page 3A in the 1-5-2000 issue of the Daily.