Peace graduates asked to temper idealism

The Ceremony: 10 a.m. Saturday, Peace College Green

Number of graduates: 104

Main speaker: Willis P. Whichard, former justice of the N.C. Supreme Court

Short and sweet: Whichard began by saying: "Lincoln noted at Gettysburg that the world would little note nor long remember what he said there. History has, of course, proven him wrong; but he probably would have been right had the occasion been a college commencement."

Whichard went on to dispense a series of thoughts and observations, drawing from such sources as Oscar Wilde, Thomas Edison, the Bible and "a Missouri grandmother." He also offered real-world advice: Value freedom but don't waste it; be idealistic but temper that with realism; understand the consequences of risk but take them anyway.

"President Kennedy once described himself as 'an idealist without illusions,'" Whichard said. "This, I submit, is the proper balance - to retain one's ideals but to temper them with a recognition that the world is neither wholly rational nor benevolent and that neither contemplation nor action on our part can make it so."

Student speaker: Randal Nicole McLean, a biology major from Lumberton, urged her classmates to step out of their comfort zones. She also took students on a trip down memory lane, recounting a number of experiences, most of which required an insider's knowledge. But one got chuckles of recognition from almost everyone: "Trips to Krispy Kreme."

Barely made it: Danielle Ward needed her parents' help to walk across the stage and get her diploma.

The communications major from Knightdale, who is 33, began her college career in 1995 at UNC Greensboro. Diabetic since age 9, she had continuing health problems that forced her to periodically withdraw from school. She finally had to drop out in 2003, when she experienced renal failure and began dialysis.

Ward was able to resume her studies at Peace in 2006 and was nearing the finish line when she learned last week that she had a blocked bowel. She underwent emergency surgery Thursday, and doctors weren't sure she would be able to attend commencement.

Ward still had staples in her stomach Saturday and had to use a wheelchair. Her parents, Edna Smith and Milton Ward Jr., wheeled her to the stage and then, one on each arm, steadied her as she walked to get her diploma.

"I was very excited," Ward said later. "I've always had the attitude that I started this and I have to finish it. It was kind of surreal."

Parting gift: President Laura Carpenter Bingham told each student to reach under their chairs, where they found a magnet with an inscription that read: "Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all of those things and still be calm in your heart."

Mary Caitlin Smith, a psychology major from Lumberton, thought the words nicely summed up the college's atmosphere. "I'll probably hang it on my refrigerator," she said.

Last but not least: Saturday's commencement was the last for Bingham, who is stepping down after 12 years. After being hailed by Todd Robinson, chairman of the college's board of trustees, for her "passion for Peace and love for students," Bingham gave her last commencement address. "I'm going to try hard here not to have any sad tears," she said.

Bingham managed to keep dry eyes during her speech, but when McLean asked her classmates to laud Bingham and they gave her a loud standing ovation, she raised a tissue to dab her eyes.