Member of First Graduating Class of School of Continuing Studies Urges Current Grads to Help Mankind
May 10, 2004
Thomas W. Pearson, a member of the first graduating class of the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond, urged members of the current graduating class today to live a life of service to mankind.
Pearson, 87, quoted from John Donne's "For Whom the Bell Tolls": "No man is an island entire of itself...Every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main...Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind."
"As I am certain you have discovered," he told the graduates, "nothing has involved you in life like your education. And what a vast difference it will continue to make for you and your extended family."
"I stand before you, a man approaching nine decades of life," he said. "Family circumstances made it impossible for me to complete my high school education, as my parents pulled me out of school during the Great Depression to work, helping put food on the family table."
SCS, then known as University College, took a chance on him, however. Pearson worked by day for J.R. Watkins, a direct sales firm specializing in food and cosmetics, and studied at night under the G. I. Bill. Although admitting it was hard on his family, he described himself as "the most dogged, determined person you'll ever meet."
That determination lasted the 17 years it took to complete his bachelor of science degree in business administration. He also earned a master's degree in Christian education at Union-PSCE in 1970.
Pearson, who in 2002 established an endowed scholarship at SCS in memory of his wife, Doris, was given the the Gibb Family Distinguished Alumni Award during graduation ceremonies.
Pearson said his education enabled him to make a difference in caring for his family, in his volunteer work at First Baptist Church and in the community, and in his continuing philanthropy to his alma mater.
"My charge to you is to continue my mission of service and dedication," he said. "Be involved in mankind. Rest assured, you will never be happier."
Student speaker Susan S. Poveromo said her quest for a bachelor's degree while working full time for nine years took almost as long as it took Odysseus to complete his odyssey. She urged her fellow graduates to "explore, dream, discover."
Gregory D. Foreman, professor of paralegal studies, was presented the SCS Distinguished Faculty Award.
The university awarded 78 bachelor's degrees, 12 associate's degrees and 97 certificates. The law school will hold its graduation at 2 p.m. today, and the main university graduation will be at 2 p.m. May 9. Both will be held in the Robins Center.