UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urges Class of 2016 to have “passion and compassion” in honorary degree keynote

“This is a time to build bridges between people, not wars.”
–Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Those words resonated deeply with the Class of 2016 and the entire Marymount Manhattan College community present on May 19, 2016 as an honorary degree was conferred upon His Excellency Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. The ceremony included a performance of the Alma Mater, remarks from President Kerry Walk, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Hope Knight ’85, and a citation from Dean David Podell and Dr. Vandana Rao. 

MMC Musical Theatre Students perform the Alma Mater, accompanied by composer Frank Wildhorn H'14 MMC Musical Theatre Students perform the Alma Mater, accompanied by composer Frank Wildhorn H’14

The highlight of the event was unquestionably the Secretary-General’s inspirational address to the College community. He began his remarks humbly, thanking the College and its officers, saying, “I know that, through me, your college is recognizing and honoring the tens of thousands of men and women of the United Nations who are working, even at this time, in very many places around the world, often dangerous and difficult places, to promote political security, stability, development, and human rights.”

His address to the Class of 2016 focused on two main messages: “First, at this turbulent moment in world affairs, we must not lose sight of the opportunities that are in our hands, today, that can set the world on a better course. One can easily be overwhelmed by the daily headlines, the latest terrorist attack, the latest extreme storm, new outbreaks of disease. This is no doubt a time of many dangers and terrors. We see war crimes, inequality, injustice, and gathering storm of climate change. We see racism and hatred, at times stoked by political egos. The world must unite against these threats, to resolve conflicts and to save lives today. The UN strives to do just that, every day, around the world, around the clock, through diplomacy, peacekeeping, and peace-building.”

The Secretary-General’s second message to graduates recognized their great passion, but added, “to realize our shared goals, to build a future of dignity for all people, the world needs more compassion…. I’m asking you to have both passion and compassion. Compassion is the glue that will bring us together for the work that can only be done together.”

Mr. Ban also spoke about climate change and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) for the next 15 years. By encouraging “new mindsets that recognize the need for global cooperation,” he said, “we can uphold the core promise of the 2030 agenda: To leave no one behind. By 2030, there should be nobody who is suffering from abject poverty, there should be no hunger, and there should be gender equality—50/50 on this planet between men and women.” This statement prompted applause from the College community and graduating class.

In addition, he used his speech to talk about the 60 million refugees and displaced people around the world, especially from Syria, “people who have lost everything.” He called upon all countries to help resettle these people, saying it is a “shared duty” and a matter of “global solidarity.” He also cited the proven benefit to countries who take in refugees, and encouraged all present to fight the dangerous myths about refugees and migrants that are “holding humanity back.”

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with his wife, Yoo Soon-taek, and President Kerry Walk Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with his wife, Yoo Soon-taek, and President Kerry WalkTo conclude, Mr. Ban said, “I’d like to say just one word. The world may be big, but this word is small: We are living in a very small family. Whatever you do should be beneficial to others. It is easy to lose sight of what is happening in other places in the world, and what is happening to many young people like yourselves in other parts of the world. The national boundaries do not mean much to all of us; forget about all these national boundaries, and have a greater global vision. Be a global citizen. That’s my message to you.”

The MMC Chorus performs "Imagine" for the Secretary-General, directed and accompanied by Jessica Corbin The MMC Chorus performs "Imagine" for the Secretary-General, directed and accompanied by Jessica Corbin

After his remarks concluded, the MMC Chorus surprised Mr. Ban with a rendition of Imagine (the Secretary-General is a noted Beatles fan). More photos from the event are here.

Following the honorary degree conferral, the Class of 2016 was inducted into the Alumni Association, and staff and faculty were presented with this year’s senior-nominated awards. The outstanding staff award went to Zakkiyya Taylor (Student Engagement and Community Service); faculty awards were given to Michelle Wang (Business), Peter Schaefer (Communication and Media Arts), Jill Stevenson (Theatre Arts), Michael Colvin (English and World Literatures), Bradley Herling (Religious Studies), and Judith Hanks (Biology).

Read more about our 2016 Honorary Degree Recipients.

Published: May 25, 2016