Retiring Dean of the College and Professor of History Dr. John F. Piper, Jr., delivered a stirring speech to the 318 graduates, their families, friends, faculty and staff at Lycoming College’s 159th Annual Commencement on Sunday, May 6.

During his speech, Piper asked the audience to imagine two circles, one inside of the other. He pointed out that the graduates formed the inner circle, and families, friends, and educators made up the outer circle. Commencement attendees were seated as such on the College’s quadrangle.

“Look around Class of 2007 and realize you are at the center of this,” said Piper. “The Dream and its American version are real but it does not exist or persist without dreamers, without men and women who dream. We are the dreamers, those of us gathered here.”

Midway through his speech, Piper walked off of the platform and into the crowd to recognize graduates for their accomplishments in academics, community service, and other notable achievements. Piper briefly donned a top hat of College founder Reverend Benjamin Crever, and even presented an Indiana Jones-style hat to an archaeology graduate.

“Follow your dreams, remember this moment and these circles, a reminder that you are never ever alone,” he said. “You are in our hearts and minds and prayers--and always in our dreams.”

At the start of the ceremony, Piper was awarded an honorary degree, doctor of humane letters. He was invited to be this year’s commencement speaker in honor of his 38 years of service to Lycoming College.

Piper joined Lycoming from Mount Holyoke College in 1969 as an assistant professor of history. In 1993 he was appointed Dean of the College, the position from which he will retire in June.

Christopher Cerasoli, of Cobleskill, N.Y., philosophy and psychology majors, delivered the senior class greeting. Cerasoli employed the metaphor of building and sailing a ship to describe his class’s Lycoming experiences and future paths. “It is now time for us to set sail upon new and exciting places,” Cerasoli said. “It is with this spirit of anticipation and wonder that I encourage each and every one of you to stand tall, let the winds of opportunity fill your sails, and embark upon the journey of a lifetime that starts from this very spot.”

Dr. James E. Douthat, President of the College, conferred and awarded 271 bachelor of arts and 47 bachelor of science diplomas. There were 18 graduates who achieved summa cum laude honors, 43 magna cum laude, and 61 cum laude.

In addition to Piper, President Douthat also recognized this year’s retirees, Dr. H. Bruce Weaver (33 years of service), John Maness (19 years), Rev. J. Marco Hunsberger (18 years), Jane Keller (17 years), Dr. Kathleen Chamberlain (8 years), and Robert Griesemer (6 years).

The Lycoming College Choir, led by Dr. Fred Thayer, the Lycoming College Concert Band, conducted by Dr. William Ciabattari, and carillon player Dr. Gary Boerckel provided music for the ceremony.