Awards
Three of the four finalists for the 2005 Commencement Speaker Prize were ALB candidates. Monica Brooker was chosen and her speech is included in the Alumni Bulletin. Amit Samuel and Sharilyn Steketee were also finalists. Because the other two finalists had written such exceptional speeches, we decided to record them and make them available to you via this multimedia newsletter. Below you will find synopses of the speeches and links to download the streaming video. We in the Undergraduate Office wish to congratulate not only Monica, but also Amit and Sharilyn as well.
In his speech, Amit discusses how a Harvard education does not necessarily lead to a pot of gold at the end of the “crimson rainbow.” He suggests that we have to fill that pot ourselves, and one of the best ways to do this is through some sort of community service. Otherwise, he says, education is merely a selfish endeavor. He mentions several ways that people can help others in the community and share the fruits of their education with the public. As he says, “Our opportunity and responsibility [as Harvard graduates] to do public service is truly great.” Watch the video.
Sharilyn begins her speech with a rousing few lines from The King and I, then discusses questions and the search for answers. She acknowledges that the answers are not always easy and not always nearly as important as the questions. She views this from a morality perspective, acknowledging that there can be many moral answers to a question, and also the importance of not only asking why but also asking why not. Watch the video.
Siza Mtimbiri
Siza Mtimbiri, ALB ’05, received a career teaching fellowship from the Foundation for International Education. With the fellowship, Siza will attend Oxford University’s teacher seminar in 2005, where he will study comparative international education. Siza credits his education courses and his work through the Faculty Aide Program as giving him an edge.
James Song
James Song, ALB ’05, received a Fulbright award. He will use the fellowship to fund a research project on the health benefits of hypnosis for AIDS patients in Uganda. Congratulation to James, our third Fulbright recipient.
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