In the wake of the shootings at Virginia Tech, we asked a number of scholars, college presidents, and writers to answer this question: If you were giving the commencement address at Virginia Tech this year, what is the core of the message you would like to leave with the graduates?

Amy Gutmann | Michael Eric Dyson |Ariel Dorfman | Lionel Shriver | Edward J.W. Park | Donna E. Shalala | Barry R. Glassner | Sissela Bok | Robert Coles | Karla Jay | Bobby Fong

April 24, 2007

Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania

In Tragedy, You Have Made Meaning: Graduates, the great tragedy that occurred here on April 16 mixes the joy of commencement with profound grief. As members of a university community, we seek understanding and naturally want to know: What is the meaning of this tragedy?

In the wake of a senseless tragedy, you made meaning where none can be found, by coming together in a caring learning community. You demonstrated the strength and scope of the human spirit. In the midst of your most intense grief, you taught the world the most powerful and profound lesson that we mortals can learn: We can gather the strength to move forward in the face of even the greatest adversity, but only by supporting one another, by pursuing justice, and by being caring citizens of a caring community.

You refused to be defeated or defined by the tragedy. You found the strength to reaffirm your support of one another, your commitment to justice, and your pride in your alma mater. You learned to translate compassion into action. And you thereby taught the world, which is not only watching but also mourning with you, a lesson that we all must take to heart.

When people from the most diverse backgrounds are bound together by caring communities, uncommon strength can arise from an unspeakable tragedy. For however fragile human life may be, the human spirit — when bound together in a humane community — is far, far stronger than cynics and skeptics are willing to admit.

None of us can end senseless bloodshed once and for all. But you have shown the world a community of higher learning that has got the goods to make life on earth so much better for millions of human beings. What a beautiful memorial to those men and women who cannot be here to rejoice with us. What a perfect expression of the human spirit. Thank you for showing us that there is great hope for humankind.

Previous: Michael Eric Dyson, professor of humanities and religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Come Hell or High Water: Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster' (Basic Civitas, 2006)