Doing my bit

The day began with breakfast at The Faculty Club, very Grand wood paneled and sparkling place that is stiff and stuffy. Then, since today is commencement day, I had the morning free, so I went back to Leverett House to work on the Radcliffe '68 mural. It will be wonderful when completed but it's slow going. Here you see me pointing at a bit of the mural that I worked on.

We all participated in the afternoon portion of commencement, marching into the yard just behind the class of 63. We heard a speech from representative John Lewis, with an energetic call for civil action in protecting democracy. Rep. Lewis was the man who led the Freedom Marchers across the bridge into Selma, Alabama to start the civil rights movement. Then we heard from President Faust about the purpose of an institution like ours in times like this, when there is such polarization and incivility and a serious threat to democracy. Her talk was thoughtful and inspiring, and ended with the idea that "hope and truth are the essence of the university." I was glad to be there.