At Hamilton College's 192nd Commencement on Sunday, May 23, the valedictorian was James Baker of Weedsport, N.Y. His speech follows:
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Before I begin, I would like to briefly thank a few people who have had a large impact on my Hamilton College education. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family for their continual love and support. I would also like to thank the physics department; in particular Gordon Jones and Ann Silversmith for guiding me in establishing my future plans. I would like to thank my high school swim coach for convincing me to choose Hamilton. Last I would like to thank all of my friends here at Hamilton for putting up with my busy schedule, most prominently my fraternity brothers in Alpha Phi of Chi Psi.
Now for a reflection on the years, Dean Paris-style:
Four and a half years ago, we arrived young and naïve,
it's hard to think now that we're ready to leave.
From all over the map, from all different places,
we assembled for orientation to meet the new faces.
We moved in with people who we'd never met,
give it a few months, they'll get under your skin yet.
But at the end of the year, if you're still weren't too mad
you looked at the room and thought, it wasn't so bad.
Orientation was short, but man what a blast!
Hanging out on campus but not going to class!
Those times were short lived, as we found out –
academics and learning – that's what school is about.
The countless and dreadful hours of work,
"I have to read this book tonight! My professor's a jerk!"
I guess as students we just like to complain,
even if the work caused no real physical pain.
As bad as it seemed, nobody died,
and most professors were pleased as long as you tried.
We learned about econ, government, and chemistry,
mathematics, art, music, and history.
A liberal arts education taught us well –
how to apply ourselves, work hard, and excel.
But there's more to this school than books and tests,
now I'll take a minute to explore some of the rest.
Commons, oh commons, where we went to eat.
Visiting the bathroom afterward was never a treat.
A haven from work, a place of rest if you will,
there was only a few times that the food made you ill.
Commons, a great hall filled with tables and chairs,
take a walk down the "runway" and receive plenty of stares.
Sure it's easy to complain, grump, and groan,
but you'll wish you had it next year, cooking on your own.
Everyone knows that all work and no play
builds a level of stress that just isn't OK.
Kids hang out on campus, with young friends until
they turn 21 and they head down the hill.
The VT, the Rock and other such places
make their cheeks rosy and put smiles on their faces.
Look! There's the jitney, let's get a ride,
They can fit another ten people inside.
Let's not forget Bundy dining hall –
both the most and least remembered building of all.
With long lines inside and one more at the door,
wait…what is that stuff all over the floor?
Your jacket is gone, what a disgrace.
Next time don't wear your favorite North Face.
Maybe that's not your scene, and that's cool too,
There are plenty of other fun things to do.
You choose how your week should end,
Just get out of your room and hang out with your friends.
Fraternities, sororities, life as a Greek
never failed to pay off by the end of the week.
Time spent with great friends, having lots of fun,
It may have been the best thing that I've ever done.
And now a word for Ham-tek athletes,
for those who worked hard and prepared to compete.
Practice was rarely the best part of the day
when the body ached in almost every way.
Now you have left it, you've played your last game.
You know that with out it, you won't be the same.
The years seemed to fly by way too fast,
As we hang on to memories of how they passed.
Now it's time to leave Hamilton College,
out into the world to apply all our knowledge.
But here we sit, at the end of senior year,
And you're telling me I'm supposed to pick a career?
We'll have lawyers, consultants, and scientists,
among other careers – too many to list.
My last bit of advice before we leave this school,
Just make sure you're happy, that's the #1 rule.
Congratulations class of 2004, keep on truckin'!
--by James Baker '04
