President congratulates seniors

To the Class of 2009:Congratulations on your graduation from Marietta College. This milestone recognizes your hard work over a period of years and your official entry into the ranks of educated women and men. That is cause for celebration, and I hope that this is a very happy time in your life.

The meaning of alma mater, the formal Latin designation of the college from which you graduated, is foster or second mother. In the spirit of that definition, I would like to share with you a quotation about parents from Dr. Jonas Salk. "Good parents give their children roots and wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what's been taught them." I hope you have deep roots at Marietta College, and that you consider this to be home. You are becoming part of the Long Blue Line of Marietta College graduates that extends backward into the mid-nineteenth century and forward indefinitely. That provides you a connection both with Marietta College and also with people, some of whom you know, others of whom you may meet later, that can be rich and deeply rewarding.

Your roots and wings come from the education you have received here. Think of the liberal arts foundation you have gained as roots-the grounding in modes of thought and a variety of disciplines that will give you curiosity about the world around you and multiple perspectives to bring to bear on problems you will be called upon to solve. As you spread your wings, you will be lifted by the sense of international community you have gained at Marietta College, by the friendships you have made with students and with faculty mentors, and by the confidence that you have developed here as you overcame obstacles and learned that you could do more than you thought you could.
The knowledge that temporary setbacks do not mean failure, and that you have within yourself the resources you need to succeed is an important part of your education.

You are ready for the next stage of your lives, and we will watch with pride as you soar. Know that your alma mater will always welcome you back, and that the faculty and administrators here want to hear from you, to support you in the difficult times and to rejoice with you in the successes we know will come. Congratulations and best wishes to each of you.

Jean A. Scott
President