Stroup stresses philanthropy in address to new MC graduates

May 19, 2008
Karen B. Eldridge, Director of News and Public Information
865.981.8207; karen.eldridge@maryvillecollege.edu

It is time to invest in others.

That was the message to members of Maryville College’s Class of 2008 from American Humanics President Dr. Kala Stroup, who gave the commencement address Sunday and was awarded an honorary degree from the College.

In her address, entitled “Ethical Leadership: Grounded in Philanthropy,” Stroup told graduates that along with their academic degrees and leadership experience came “an obligation – a duty – to be philanthropic and to encourage others to do so.

“… Others have invested in you, and you have invested in yourself,” she added. “Now it is your turn – time for you to invest in your community, society, others,” she told the approximately 240 graduates who participated in commencement exercises held in Boydson Baird Gymnasium.

As president of American Humanics, Stroup said she already was inspired by this generation’s attitude toward volunteering and service.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, American Humanics is the only national organization that prepares undergraduate college students for professional careers in the nonprofit sector. The organization partners with more than 73 colleges and universities nationwide and 60 national nonprofit organizations, academic centers and foundations. Maryville College began an affiliation with American Humanics in 2002.

“Tomorrow’s leader must be philanthropic in spirit, must engage others in a culture of philanthropy,” she said. “Your generation has set a high bar for the nation. A recent survey of high-school students reported that 61 percent of all students do some type of volunteer work with over six percent contributing over five hours a week. You – as a generation – are volunteering more and in greater numbers, and your universities are following your interests with programs in community service, volunteer centers, American Humanics programs and civic engagement.”

Stroup praised Maryville College’s participation in American Humanics, saying “Your college is preparing the future leadership of the nonprofit, philanthropic sector.”

Pointing out that philanthropy is good for democracy, the economy and social structures that serve the public good and public need, the speaker urged students to remember the importance of entrepreneurship, as well as a philanthropic spirit, in ethical leadership.

“Your generation has these same characteristics in abundance,” she said, telling graduates that they belong to a generation more entrepreneurial than previous ones. “New ideas, utilizing technology, all have come from your generation.”

Citing non-profits and charitable work such as the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and birth defects research conducted by the March of Dimes, Stroup said entrepreneurial behavior was among the greatest accomplishments of the philanthropic sector.

Challenging graduates to consider a career of service, the speaker said such work is “remarkably diverse, offering something for everyone.”

“It allows you to do interesting work or contribute your talents in a variety of settings, take on a wide array of public issues and problems and receive valuable exposure to different types of people.

“Go forth … with creativity, fun, and entrepreneurship as you lead for the public good and practice daily ethical leadership with a philanthropic spirit.”

Charge to the Class of 2008

Following recognition of students inducted into Alpha Gamma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Societies and those seniors graduating cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude, Dr. Gerald W. Gibson, Maryville College president, awarded the diplomas.

In his charge to the Class of 2008, the president told the graduates to put their Maryville education and their gifts, insights and abilities to work to make the world a better place.

“We are an old college. We know who we are. We have taken on the job of education, of preparing citizens and leaders, generation after generation, since the long-ago time of Isaac Anderson. Ours is the business of transformation,” Gibson said. “If we have done our work well, you leave us transformed, you graduates of the Class of 2008.

“If we have done our work well, you leave us better than you were, and surer of who you are. You leave with a greater store of knowledge, yes, but of even larger import, with sharper skills of communication and problem-solving; with enhanced ability to discriminate between the bad and the good, the ugly and the beautiful, the false and the true.

“I charge you to … take on the task of making better a world that needs all the help you can provide,” he concluded. “May God bless you on your journey.”

Employees recognized

During commencement exercises, recognition was also given to six faculty and staff members for outstanding service during the 2007-2008 academic year.

Dr. Robert Naylor, professor of chemistry and vice president and dean of the College, was recognized for his retirement and election to the status of “professor emeritus” at the College.

Chronicling Naylor’s arrival on campus in 1975 as an assistant professor of chemistry, his rise to chair the natural sciences division, his promotion to the rank of “professor,” his election as the first-ever chair of the faculty and his selection as academic dean in 2001, Maryville College President Dr. Gerald W. Gibson said the administrator “has served with distinction in many capacities during the subsequent 33 years.”

“As both teacher and administrator, he has helped shape the lives of scores of Maryville students,” the president told the crowd. “As a teacher, students found him to be sensitive and responsive, while being friendly and open, yet objective in evaluating them and assessing their needs without discouragement. He had the ability to motivate and convey enthusiasm with his creative approach to teaching.

“ … His colleagues deeply appreciate his dedication to liberal learning in an atmosphere of shared, collegial leadership,” Gibson concluded. “Yes, Robert Naylor has had a profound impact on Maryville College.”

The Outstanding Teacher Award, the recipient of which is nominated by juniors and seniors at the College, went to Dr. Scott Henson, assistant professor of political science. Henson joined the faculty in 2006.

Dr. Jason Troyer, assistant professor of psychology, was recognized as the runner-up for the award. A four-year member of the faculty, he received the same recognition during commencement exercises in 2006.

Receiving the Nancy B. Hunter Outstanding Staff Award was Becky Davis, administrative coordinator in the Communications and Church Relations offices. Kirsten Sheppard, director of international programming, was named Outstanding Administrator. Head football coach and 1980 alumnus Tony Ierulli was presented the Sharon A. Murphy Crane Distinguished Service Award.