The University of Pennsylvania's 240th Commencement was a hot affair. Literally. As Tom Brokaw, commencement speaker, observed, the temperature soared to 96, an apropos number for the graduating class.

Bottled water was placed beneath each seat on Franklin Field. The graduates used the bottles to combat the roasting rays, taking refreshing gulps of water and soaking each other playfully with the cool liquid.

It didn't take long for the fun to begin. Red and blue balloons floated toward the glaring sun. A beach ball bounced lazily through the humid air. Rows of graduates quickly stood up, then sat down, forming a wave of humanity that undulated across the field.

Although the graduates goofed off and had a good time, they also listened intently to the speakers, who urged them to put their education to good use in a world desperate for leaders, desperate for change.

During his invocation, Rev. Frederic Guyott, interim chaplain, expressed a hope that the graduates would pursue something more than affluence in a society obsessed with the materialistic. And in reading her poem "Lady Freedom Among Us," Rita Dove, former poet laureate of the United States and recipient of an honorary doctorate, reminded listeners not to turn their backs on the homeless.

Peter J. Kuriloff, chair of the faculty senate, saluted the many Penn students who performed community service, and asked the Class of 1996 to build a brighter future for all people. "Look to the broken places in the world and fix them," he said.

Brokaw made a similar request. He advised the graduates to embrace tolerance and understanding. To battle racism and sexism. To protect the environment. To raise loving families.

In closing, Brokaw acknowledged the members of the Class of 1946 who were in attendance. He noted that the men and women of that generation overcame the adversities of the Depression and war to achieve prosperity and peace for all.

"They had saved our world...." he said. "I am in awe of them."

He then left the Class of 1996 with these words: "Fifty years from now, let another commencement speaker stand here and say of your generation: 'They saved our world. I am in awe of them.' "

When the new alums finally scurried off the scorching field to find their family and friends, they reflected on what they had just heard. One day they would make the world a better place. For the time being, however, they would just celebrate in cooler surroundings. They had earned it.

Return to Compass Features for May 21/28, 1996