SALVE REGINA GRADUATES TOLD: 'THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS'
NEWPORT, R.I. – Give back, make a difference, create a better world for our children, Alan G. Hassenfeld told his fellow graduates in Salve Regina University’s Class of 2008 on Sunday, May 18, moments after receiving an honorary doctorate in humane letters. During his commencement address, the chairman of the board at Hasbro, Inc. stressed the importance of linking personal and business success with social responsibility.
“Do not be silent if there is something you don’t believe in,” Hassenfeld advised. “If not you to speak out, then who?”
Hassenfeld laced his 15-minute talk with humor and advice, a combination well-received by the 626 graduates who assembled with their families and friends beneath the tent on the oceanfront lawn of McAuley Hall. This marked the largest undergraduate class in the university’s history.
Hassenfeld took time to congratulate all the parents, telling them he understood on this day that they must be feeling both pride and overwhelming relief that their sons and daughters “made it.”
The former CEO of the second ranked toymaker in America with revenues of more than $3 billion, told the audience he “had the chance to talk to Potato Head last night,” seeking advice from the “somewhat opinionated” toy in preparing his graduation remarks. Potato Head, it became quickly apparent, helps Hassenfeld maintain a balanced perspective. Since stepping down as CEO in 2006, he now concentrates on his position as chairman and his many philanthropic endeavors.
“If you want to help shape a better America, start with yourself,” he said, simply. “Do not impose your own values on other societies when you do not understand the history, culture and religion of that society.”
|
|
Bryan Moseley of Newport celebrates after receiving his master of arts degree in international relations.
Hassenfeld thought back to his own undergraduate days, telling the Class of 2008 that the degrees they received today are nothing more than an open ticket. “You must now punch it in,” he said.
“You are as unlimited as your imagination. Truly, the future is in your hands.”
Also receiving honorary doctorates in humane letters during Sunday’s commencement were Dr. Jessie Gruman, founder and president of the Center for the Advancement of Health, and Edward F. Sanderson, executive director of the Rhode Island Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission.
Salve Regina President M. Therese Antone conferred 631 degrees in all, including 475 bachelor’s degrees, 140 master’s degrees, 11 certificates of advanced graduate studies, and five doctorates in philosophy.
The Class of 2008
|
