My Comments at Reception for Honorary Degree Recipients Amherst College

May 22, 2010

I couldn't believe it when I first got the letter inviting me to come to Amherst.

I'm not talking about the one President Marx sent us last fall, informing us that we were selected to be honored by the College. I'm talking about the one I got in April, 1970, telling me that I was accepted to Amherst.

My parents saved a letter I sent them a few days after I arrived here. Here's what I wrote them in September 1970:

Dear Family,

I love this school...The food is fine. It is easy to get around. YOU DON'T NEED A CAR. I had dinner at my advisor's home last night...after (a) mixer we sat in the dorm living room and talked till 3:00. Tonight there is a dorm meeting at which they will tell us that we are allowed to do anything we want to - there are absolutely NO rules.

From that day 40 years ago to this one, I've treasured the education I got here. At one point, I talked about the College so much that my kids made a rule that I was not allowed to mention Amherst more than once a week in our home.

Yesterday afternoon, Georgia and I walked across the campus, and for a moment, I felt as if I had traveled back in time. I saw myself, a young man, full of wonder, walking back to my dorm, trying to comprehend something my professor had just said in class.

Never did I imagine that that path would lead to this podium.

But I have always known this: I could not have achieved the modest successes for which the college sees fit to honor me had I not been granted the great gift of an Amherst education. Here I learned how to learn. To think independently, and creatively. And to put ideas into words and words into action.

I left Amherst in 1974, but Amherst came with me. By that I mean that I remain a student to this day. Which is why I am humbled to be among such a distinguished group of individuals whose achievements in the arts, sciences, business and technology are inspiring.

I thank you President Marx, and members of the Board of Trustees, for acknowledging what I have tried to do with my Amherst education. To be recognized by the College is the greatest honor I have ever received.

And, as an alum, I thank you for renewing the promise of Amherst for each generation in this new, already troubled century. Now I hope you will forgive me for saying this, but I believe America has entered a dark age. Our great institutions have failed us. Abroad, we are no longer the beacon of freedom and progress. At home, many Americans are confused and angry. Against the division and despair you have declared a poetic and powerful principle: that each woman and man educated here aspire to lead a life of consequence.

I am proud to receive an honorary degree from Amherst, but I am most proud to be a part of this community, whose goal is "terras irradient": to bring light to the world.