On May 15, a breezy Sunday morning, 277 Haverford seniors became Haverford alumni, Class of 2005.

Four distinguished individuals in the arts, sciences, education, and human rights were awarded honorary degrees: Antonia Hernandez, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation; Molly Ivins, nationally syndicated political columnist; Dave Matthews, South African vocalist/guitarist; and Juan Williams '76, senior correspondent, National Public Radio, and contributing political analyst, Fox News.

In their brief speeches, all four recipients included words of wisdom and inspiration. Adding to Hernandez's urgent“go forth and make a difference” message, Ivins pled the case for having fun in the process. Matthews explained his own personal preferences for prayer, finding beauty and peace in everyday "undamaged" things. Williams related a heartfelt anecdote about Thurgood Marshall and his fight against segregation.

The commencement speeches and ceremony will soon be archived at www.haverford.edu.