Kathryn Wasserman Davis P'60
KATHRYN WASSERMAN DAVIS: Thank you for this really great honor. I am proud to be the recipient of an honorary degree from Wheaton, following in the Wheaton footsteps of my dear daughter, Diana, Class of 1960, who is here with me today.
As some of you may know, I did celebrate my 100th birthday last year. I began my initiative called 100 Projects for Peace. I am so very pleased with the response, enthusiasm, and creativity of the students from almost 80 colleges and universities.
I am even more pleased that your president, President Crutcher, has seen fit to fund further additional Projects of Peace here at Wheaton. We both feel these projects are building blocks for peace for the 21st century.
My message to all of you, especially the graduates, is in the form of a challenge. My many years have taught me there will always be conflicts. It's part of human nature. But I will remind you that love, kindness and support are also part of human nature.
My challenge to all of you is to bring about a mindset of preparing for peace instead of preparing for war. Graduates of Class of 2008, may you go forth today willing to talk as much to your enemies as you do to your friends.
In closing, I thank you at Wheaton here for giving me this great honor.