Candle and Rose
5/15/2006
It sounds cheesy but really it's not. It's an annual ceremony at dusk in the quadrangle before the cloister walk, on the evening before May graduation, and last week I got to watch Dominican's 81st rendition. I'll quote selectively from what various speakers said in what's always a truly moving experience.
Graduates in their robes holding candles, symbolizing truth or Veritas, each partnered with a special friend, often a junior ready to enter his or her final year next fall and holding a rose, symbolizing love or Caritas—hence the university's motto of Caritas et Veritas.
We gather this evening amid the glow of candlelight and the fragrance of roses to celebrate Dominican University's oldest tradition.... We speak of our history and of our future; of the Dominican charism that has formed us, and will define us through life.
Students, selected by their peers, speak.
Enza DiFranco:
My most memorable college experience occurred the summer after my junior year when I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Those of you who were in Florence with me know how amazing the trip was not only for our education but for our self-development and independence.... I have become more appreciative of cultural differences and more proud of my culture's traditions.
Anna Valiavska:
When I entered Dominican as a freshman I saw the beauty of the magnificent Power Hall, the strength of the glorious Lewis academic building and the endless energy of Coughlin Hall.... I learned that professors at Dominican University offer more than knowledge in their respective areas. They teach us about humanity and virtues. They show us that the university is only a first step in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. They demonstrate that compassion exists within these walls.... I used to think that we enter the University to gain knowledge about certain academic subjects, but it turned out that we came here to learn about ourselves and our place in the world.
Jim Kozyra:
Four years ago, I was a hot-shot 18 year old.... I never had to put forth very much effort; I never was up late doing homework.... I learned fairly quickly that college—IS HARD.... If high school was a walk in the park, then college is an uphill wind-sprint. In flip-flops. While having two broken legs. And an asthma attack.... When I think back on my four years at Dominican, I don't think about which classes I did well in and which classes I tanked... College for me was not about learning what was taught to me. It was about learning who I am, learning who I want to be, learning about life and most of all, learning I am unfathomably lucky to have been a part of Dominican.... So, Class of 2006, as you venture out into the real world, always remember this—whether we did it miserably or gracefully, whether we did it with flying colors or by the skin of our teeth, whether things happened for us exactly as planned or completely unexpectedly, we did it. We are adults. We are a success. We are Dominicans. Good luck, and Rock on.
Lisa Pauletto:
The Spirit that runs this school and sets each and every one of us apart from the rest of the world started to develop in us the minute we set foot in these historical buildings at the beginning of our college career ... the Spirit that allows the Sisters on campus to nurture us like grandchildren, giving out hugs and blowing us kisses when we leave the room. It is about teachers calling you in the morning after you missed class to make sure you are feeling okay.... The Dominican Difference is about going to dinner at your professors' houses, being introduced to their children.... Dominican has provided me with a confidence not only in my education and knowledge, but with an overwhelming confidence that I am NOT ALONE in my journey. WE have a network of friends, professors, staff members, administration and other Dominican family who genuinely care about us and who have helped us to become the people we are today.... I am a Dominican, and I will leave this institution to spread justice and speak the truth and lead with compassion. I will preach through my actions and I will soar to unbelievable heights with the newfound confidence and Spirit guiding me. I will also bask in the kindness and mercy that has been poured upon me from the minute I stepped foot on this campus and I will revel in the blessing it was to find such a beautiful and comfortable HOME.
Candles and Roses are exchanged.
Seniors, as you accept this rose as a token of our love remember that you remain in our hearts. We carry you with us and keep alive all you have taught us. When you step out into the world, embrace it fully as you continue to blossom and grow....
And the seniors respond.
The passing of our candle symbolizes the giving of ourselves and our knowledge in the spirit of Caritas and Veritas.... Grateful for what we have learned here, we now depart to share these gifts with the world.
It ends with a song.
Through the years O Dominican your name will forever be a vision strong and a wisdom true that we'll carry for all to see.... In veritas and in caritas we believe all our dreams begin, as we follow those who have led our way, O so proudly Dominican.
And a prayer.
You who knew each of us before we were formed in the womb, You who know who we are now, and what we are to become ... guide us along our paths wherever they may lead.... Bestow upon us your spirit to be the light for our way.
What's left to say but—Amen. I love this place.
It sounds cheesy but really it's not. It's an annual ceremony at dusk in the quadrangle before the cloister walk, on the evening before May graduation, and last week I got to watch Dominican's 81st rendition. I'll quote selectively from what various speakers said in what's always a truly moving experience.
Graduates in their robes holding candles, symbolizing truth or Veritas, each partnered with a special friend, often a junior ready to enter his or her final year next fall and holding a rose, symbolizing love or Caritas—hence the university's motto of Caritas et Veritas.
We gather this evening amid the glow of candlelight and the fragrance of roses to celebrate Dominican University's oldest tradition.... We speak of our history and of our future; of the Dominican charism that has formed us, and will define us through life.
Students, selected by their peers, speak.
Enza DiFranco:
My most memorable college experience occurred the summer after my junior year when I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Those of you who were in Florence with me know how amazing the trip was not only for our education but for our self-development and independence.... I have become more appreciative of cultural differences and more proud of my culture's traditions.
Anna Valiavska:
When I entered Dominican as a freshman I saw the beauty of the magnificent Power Hall, the strength of the glorious Lewis academic building and the endless energy of Coughlin Hall.... I learned that professors at Dominican University offer more than knowledge in their respective areas. They teach us about humanity and virtues. They show us that the university is only a first step in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. They demonstrate that compassion exists within these walls.... I used to think that we enter the University to gain knowledge about certain academic subjects, but it turned out that we came here to learn about ourselves and our place in the world.
Jim Kozyra:
Four years ago, I was a hot-shot 18 year old.... I never had to put forth very much effort; I never was up late doing homework.... I learned fairly quickly that college—IS HARD.... If high school was a walk in the park, then college is an uphill wind-sprint. In flip-flops. While having two broken legs. And an asthma attack.... When I think back on my four years at Dominican, I don't think about which classes I did well in and which classes I tanked... College for me was not about learning what was taught to me. It was about learning who I am, learning who I want to be, learning about life and most of all, learning I am unfathomably lucky to have been a part of Dominican.... So, Class of 2006, as you venture out into the real world, always remember this—whether we did it miserably or gracefully, whether we did it with flying colors or by the skin of our teeth, whether things happened for us exactly as planned or completely unexpectedly, we did it. We are adults. We are a success. We are Dominicans. Good luck, and Rock on.
Lisa Pauletto:
The Spirit that runs this school and sets each and every one of us apart from the rest of the world started to develop in us the minute we set foot in these historical buildings at the beginning of our college career ... the Spirit that allows the Sisters on campus to nurture us like grandchildren, giving out hugs and blowing us kisses when we leave the room. It is about teachers calling you in the morning after you missed class to make sure you are feeling okay.... The Dominican Difference is about going to dinner at your professors' houses, being introduced to their children.... Dominican has provided me with a confidence not only in my education and knowledge, but with an overwhelming confidence that I am NOT ALONE in my journey. WE have a network of friends, professors, staff members, administration and other Dominican family who genuinely care about us and who have helped us to become the people we are today.... I am a Dominican, and I will leave this institution to spread justice and speak the truth and lead with compassion. I will preach through my actions and I will soar to unbelievable heights with the newfound confidence and Spirit guiding me. I will also bask in the kindness and mercy that has been poured upon me from the minute I stepped foot on this campus and I will revel in the blessing it was to find such a beautiful and comfortable HOME.
Candles and Roses are exchanged.
Seniors, as you accept this rose as a token of our love remember that you remain in our hearts. We carry you with us and keep alive all you have taught us. When you step out into the world, embrace it fully as you continue to blossom and grow....
And the seniors respond.
The passing of our candle symbolizes the giving of ourselves and our knowledge in the spirit of Caritas and Veritas.... Grateful for what we have learned here, we now depart to share these gifts with the world.
It ends with a song.
Through the years O Dominican your name will forever be a vision strong and a wisdom true that we'll carry for all to see.... In veritas and in caritas we believe all our dreams begin, as we follow those who have led our way, O so proudly Dominican.
And a prayer.
You who knew each of us before we were formed in the womb, You who know who we are now, and what we are to become ... guide us along our paths wherever they may lead.... Bestow upon us your spirit to be the light for our way.
What's left to say but—Amen. I love this place.
