Galanti Addresses Graduates of University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies
May 5, 2003
Drawing on his seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, Paul E. Galanti told graduates of the University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies May 3, 2003, that "no matter how bad things seem in your personal life, others have had it worse."
He described the "worst of times" when he was marched through Hanoi and tortured as also the "best of times" when he made lifelong friends with fellow prisoners who communicated by tapping on walls. "We ended up becoming closer than brothers," he said.
Of the 600 prisoners released with him in 1973, five became members of Congress, one was an ambassador, several were mayors of cities and 15 became admirals and generals in the military. "We came out fired with enthusiasm," he said.
Galanti retired from the Navy in 1983 and went on to become executive director of the Virginia Pharmaceutical Association, CEO of the Medical Society of Virginia and executive director of the Science Museum of Virginia Foundation. He received a master of commerce degree in 1976 from the University of Richmond's University College, now the School of Continuing Studies.
He also told the graduates "one individual can make a big difference in life." A fellow prisoner who taught him how to survive in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" kept him going through that ordeal, and he cited his University of Richmond professor Clarence Jung as the individual who kept him pushing toward his master's degree.
Rosalind Reilly, who teaches English in the School of Continuing Studies, received the annual distinguished faculty award. She told graduates that as a girl she had always wanted to walk on the moon. Her journey "into inner space" has been just as fulfilling as her childhood dream, she said. "We lift off together to new insights and inspirations."
Sarah Gunn, president and owner of The Toymaker of Williamsburg received the distinguished alumni award. She advised graduates to stay in touch with the university and to "think about going further with your education. There's always the next step."
One hundred forty-two people received certificates, associate's or bachelor's degrees during the ceremony, which marked the end of the school's 40th anniversary year. The class included the first graduates of Public Safety University, a program for members of Richmond public safety agencies who complete their educations in exchange for a service commitment to their employers.