Wayne Messmer addresses Illinois Wesleyan's commencement.

Illinois Wesleyan Celebrates Commencement

May 4, 2003

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Wayne Messmer, calling himself "the guy who sings the Anthem," told the 499 graduating seniors at Illinois Wesleyan University Sunday that they must recognize that their special gifts are fragile and should not be taken for granted.

• Watch Wayne Messmer's Speech (RealPlayer)

• Commencement 2003 Site

• Commencement Photo Gallery

Messmer, a 1972 Illinois Wesleyan graduate who is the popular "Voice of Wrigley Field," suffered a gunshot wound to the throat during a robbery in 1994. Not only did the attack nearly cost Messmer his life, but there was doubt that he would ever talk again, let alone sing. During Sunday's Commencement ceremony, Messmer sang "America the Beautiful."

In recounting his remarkable recovery, Messmer said: "We can't let the bad guys win."

Messmer told the students to take an inventory of their special gifts and to realize that those gifts are fragile. "They are temporary, and they are on loan," he said. "As easily as they were given they can be taken away. So, use them, respect them and share them and, in doing so, you will become known as a person of distinction and significance, nothing less than what we Illinois Wesleyan grads expect from one another."

Messmer was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from the University. Two other honorary degrees were bestowed — a doctor of humane letters to Marianne Carus, founder and publisher of magazines for children, and a doctor of laws to M. Blouke Carus, a business leader who has exhibited a lifelong passion for education.

Acting President Janet McNew presided in the absence of President Minor Myers jr.

The ceremony was moved indoors to the Shirk Center where members of the University's faculty wore zinnias on their academic gowns in recognition of Minor Myers jr., the University's president who has been undergoing treatment for lung cancer since late February and was unable to preside over the event. Zinnias represent thoughts of absent friends.

Several speakers cited Myers' absence from the proceedings, including Carl Dowdy, president of the Class of 2003 and a business administration major from Naperville, Ill. Said Dowdy: "It is with deep regret that our President, Dr. Minor Myers jr. is not in our presence this afternoon. For the last four years he has stood by us on numerous occasions and as the Class of 2003 ends this journey and begins the next, President Myers will remain in our thoughts and prayers for a full recovery."

On behalf of his classmates, Dowdy expressed appreciation for what the University had afforded them. "This University teaches more than just debits and credits, Einstein’s theory of relativity, or Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales," he said. "It encourages students to approach issues with an open mind, to think critically about what they are told, and to speak out with their opinions. It offers students the opportunity to appreciate the benefits of diversity. Sometimes our learning experience was joyous; sometimes tedious. But all of these experiences are essential in preparing graduates to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us."

Narendra Jaggi, professor of physics, addressed the Commencement as the Student Senate's Professor of the Year. Jaggi praised the students for understanding that their college education meant more than what happened inside the classroom. "You have considered every minute, not just inside the classroom, but on the quad and in the dormitories, as a moment of learning," he said.

During the ceremony Craig C. Hart, president of Illinois Wesleyan's Board of Trustees, paid tribute to the University's retiring dean of admissions, James Ruoti who will become dean emeritus. Ruoti has worked in admissions at his alma mater for 40 years.

• Wayne Messmer's Commencement Address

• Class President Carl Dowdy's Remarks