A Letter to the Boston College Community,

As members of the Class of 2006 prepare to embark on a new journey on life's path, the campus as a whole comes together to reflect upon the years we've spent together. We have lived together during times of remarkable achievements on campus and across the globe, as well as demanding challenges facing our community and our nation.

The selection of Dr. Condoleezza Rice as Commencement Speaker epitomizes what we all strive for. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Rice was the only child of Angelena Rice, a school music teacher, and the Reverend John Wesley Rice, a minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rice not only overcame her humble beginnings but drew strength from them and also triumphed over segregation. She faced down discrimination and hate by not giving up on her dreams.

Her personal background and struggles to succeed are an inspiration and her academic achievements bear witness to her significant spirit. Her altruism is manifest when you consider she was a Founding Board member of the Center for a New Generation, an educational support fund for schools in California and was Vice President of the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula.

During her tenure as Director, and then Senior Director, of Soviet and East European Affairs in the National Security Council, and a Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, she saw the world change as freedom reached the farthest corners of the Iron Curtain.

As Secretary of State, she advocated for the historic HIV/AIDS Initiative in Africa that brought much needed assistance to victims of the deadly disease. She presided over much of the State Department's role in aiding the Tsunami ravaged zones in Asia. Rice pushed for a massive increase in Development Assistance for developing nations around the world resulting in a $5 billion annual increase. And she continues to believe in the expansion of freedom--a worthy cause by any account.

Dr. Rice reflects the values of Boston College: being a women for others, achieving educational distinction, standing firm on her traditions, and working diligently against the odds to succeed.

Regardless of politics, she is a speaker worthy of our respect. The policy debates, rehashing of past issues, and politically charged rhetoric can be left to the days following the completion of our undergraduate careers. I ask you to join Students for a Positive Commence and ensure Boston College remains a paragon excellence.