Purdue News

August 8, 1999 Purdue grads review past, look to future WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue President Steven C. Beering reminded new graduates of the past and encouraged them for the future during commencement ceremonies today (Sunday, 8/8) in the Elliott Hall of Music. Beering reviewed the accomplishments of one of Purdue's more famous alumni, Neil Armstrong for students earning degrees during the 178th commencement. "On July 20 -- just over two weeks ago -- we observed the 30th anniversary of an event that was like no other in history," Beering said. "On that night in 1969, the eyes of the entire world were focused on the televised image of the first human being to step onto an extraterrestrial surface. "Virtually all of us who were alive then can remember where we were and how we felt as Neil Armstrong took that first small step onto the moon. The event has special meaning for us at Purdue, because Neil spent four years here. He attended classes in the same buildings that today's graduates know so well. He played in the band. He went to athletic events. He received his diploma in this hall where you will receive yours in just a few minutes. "We are still waiting to learn the full historic significance of that first trip to the moon. However, in one important respect, it was different from any great event that preceded it. Unlike the discovery of America, the events that touched off the great wars of history, and major scientific breakthroughs, from the discovery of fire to the splitting of the atom, the moon walk was witnessed simultaneously by the world as a community. Billions of people were instantly aware and involved as the event unfolded. "The Apollo 11 mission heralded the arrival of the global society that we all have entered, the one in which today's graduates will spend the rest of their lives." Beering said the most graduates of a century ago could not imagine the technology that would evolve in their lifetimes. "I cannot tell you what lies ahead and what will astonish you, but I can tell you that the best way to predict the future is to have a hand it creating it," Beering said. "As holders of Purdue University degrees, you are the vanguard of your generation. You are among the group who will help determine the future. You are now at the point in your lives at which you can move beyond the achievements of those from whom you have learned. "We can contemplate the full sweep of history, the accomplishments of all the great civilizations on every continent, and we can realize that we have not begun to understand, we have not begun to achieve. We have barely scratched the surface of our own potential, and we have not even entered the portal of wisdom. "The experience you have had at Purdue did not provide you with all the answers. That is not the purpose of education. We hope, though, that it has given you an idea of how to ask some of the important questions. "Your Purdue education gives you the potential -- more than that, the responsibility -- to be a leader. The time has come to fulfill that potential and exercise that responsibility." Approximately 870 Purdue University students were eligible to receive degrees during commencement ceremonies. The university has been recognizing summer graduates at the West Lafayette campus every year since 1984. Source: Steven C. Beering, (765) 494-9708 Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; jwillis1@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page