The Story
Lewis Urges Students to "Make Necessary Trouble"
Recently inaugurated President Gene Nichol formally began the fall semester of the Colleges 313th year at Fridays Convocation ceremonies, marking the official beginning of the 2005–2006 academic year. After a series of speeches, the new students processed through the Wren Building, as tradition dictates, and were welcomed on the other side by upperclassmen.
President Nichol remarked that he would gladly continue the traditions that the College has enjoyed for many years; however, the President also encouraged the student body to make their own lasting traditions while they spend their years here.
"Etch your history on these ancient walls. This remarkable community of inquiry is now your own. Engage it. Enliven it. Press your hard-won aspirations. Work your magic. Stake your claim," said Nichol.
Distinguished Congressman John Lewis from Georgia followed Nichol with the keynote address. During his career, Representative Lewis has won the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award and the Martin Luther King Nonviolent Peace Prize. During the 1960s, Lewis walked with Dr. King to Montgomery, led Freedom Rides, and led an initiative called "Mississippi Freedom" that registered black voters. Rep. Lewis received an honorary doctorate from the College two years ago.
"[Representative Lewis] has done more than any other living American to make the promises of democracy real," said Nichol.
Congressman Lewis encouraged the student body to strive to make a meaningful contribution to the nation and the larger community. Lewis said all Americans must work together to form an ideal called "the beloved country."
"[We need a nation that] is not hateful, not violent…not separated, not polarized, not locked in struggle," said Lewis. He continued his point by further saying that people cannot wait for change, but must be the forerunners of change themselves.
Growing up in southern Alabama during the time of segregation, Lewis recollected how he was told not to "get in the way…not to get in trouble."
"Find a way to get in the way…find a way to make necessary trouble," said Lewis to an outburst of applause from students in the crowd.
The remainder of his speech focused on how people need to learn to live together in peace, regardless of differences in race, gender, creed, or any other way.
"We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or perish as fools…we have come in different ships, but were in the same boat now," said Lewis, quoting his friend Dr. King as part of his conclusion.
President Nichol ended Convocation by announcing a new financial program entitled Gateway William and Mary. This initiative, funded by state, federal, and college grants, would make it feasible for students whose parents income level is below $40,000 to graduate from the College without debt.
At the end of the speeches, new students engaged in the traditional walk through the Wren Building to be greeted by cheering upperclassmen on the other side. After the procession, all guests at the ceremony were invited to eat from a buffet line and listen to the Chasing Rhinos band.