Renowned chef Jacques Pépin, GS ’70 and GSAS ’72, brought a dash of flavor to the School of General Studies Class Day, where he described graduation as “a time to dare”—but reminded students of their responsibility to society.
On Sunday, GS graduates celebrated, in the words of valedictorian Brian Corman, “the determination, experience, and diversity” of the class of 2010. While Corman recounted experiences of his classmates, Pépin encouraged the graduates to remain engaged in their surroundings.
Pépin, a television personality who has penned several culinary works, described his path to Columbia: after turning down an offer by the Kennedys to become the White House chef, he instead enrolled in GS, where he received a degree in French. “I was the typical nontraditional student,” Pépin said. “Like many of you, I paid for my education by working during the night. I dreamed of becoming educated.”
Corman, who used to dance professionally with the Washington Ballet, looked to his classmates when describing the tenacity of graduating GS students. He spoke about fellow graduate and figure skater Tim Goebel, who earned an Olympic medal after a fall during the U.S. Nationals. What GS students have in common, Corman said, is that they “defy the odds and the naysayers and achieve the impossible.”
Corman also joked about a stereotype about GS students that described them as the first to raise their hands in class, ask questions, and prove that they are “right.” His intention, he said, was to confirm that rumor as being correct.
He went on to say that General Studies students have become creative thinkers due to the synthesis of diverse ideas to which they have been exposed. This type of thinking, Corman said, puts them in a unique position to tackle the social challenges of today’s uncertain economic climate. “Some people may think of a degree from Columbia as a ticket to the good life,” he said. “I see it as a ticket to change the world.”
Chloe Smith, a GS graduate and former professional dancer, described the importance of Class Day, especially for people who had previously pursued other professions.
“For dancers, there is no certificate when you finish. You just decide when you are done,” Smith said. “It makes such a big difference to walk across the stage and have them say, ‘Congratulations, you’re done.’ It’s a moment to look back and say this was a good experience.”
Graduate Tracy Harford, GS, described Class Day as a surreal experience.
“I think there’s a sense of unreality,” she said. “It’s a bit of a long journey. A lot of people have been doing this for over four years. … I’m just glad we were able to carve out a place for studying in the midst of life.”
COMMENTS
Comments will be moderated in accordance with our comment policy