Graduates join Buckeye family tree

Speaker Ken Lee calls on new alumni to 'work together to build better days ahead'

The first Ohio State graduates of the post-Sept. 11 era will join an emotionally close but geographically far-reaching Buckeye family with branches that span across the globe, commencement speaker Ken Lee said in his Dec. 7 address to the newest OSU alumni. And with support from that network, Lee told those in attendance at the autumn ceremony, they have an opportunity and a responsibility to make a difference in this changed world in which we now live -- especially when it comes to continuing to value diversity.

"I ask for your help in making this great nation a safe place to be different. Although it remains to be seen who can be punished for Sept. 11, it is now hard to be Middle Eastern or Islamic," Lee said. "Educated people realize that where your ancestors were born does not make you the enemy. For all hurt by the events of Sept. 11 -- or by a prior day of infamy exactly 60 years ago -- we all share the sorrow and we all must work together to build better days ahead."

In addition to calling on graduates not to perpetuate prejudices accompanying the war against terrorism, Lee noted that those educated at Ohio State will make contributions of all kinds: implementing ideas in the workplace, improving the human condition and enhancing society as a whole.

"We live in a world of cloning and genetically modified food. A world of instant data, global communication and information piracy. A world coping with mammoth technological upheaval. A world facing the greatest environmental challenges since extinction of the dinosaurs. A world of unprecedented ethical dilemmas," said Lee, chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology. "In any discipline -- your discipline -- you will find that yesterday's problems are in need of today's solutions. And all of these solutions must come from you."

But Ohio State graduates won't be on their own, Lee noted.

"At Ohio State, there is a power that is greater than what you learned from lectures, from textbooks or tests. The power you now have is quite extraordinary," he said, citing alumni support for the new Parker Food Science Building and student scholarships as a demonstration of alumni loyalty to the University. "This passionate support from Ohio State graduates is phenomenal, and it's peerless. It comes from people who know staying connected to our tree of Buckeyes is priceless Ñ our branches spread worldwide and connect every field of endeavor."

Lee also spoke of his own college experiences at Rutgers University, where, he acknowledged, he focused on having a good time and avoiding the Vietnam War draft. But it was not all fun and games by any stretch. Recalling that his Asian features led at least one ignorant and rude person of that era to assault him and call him a "gook," Lee admonished new graduates that they must rise above such stereotypes in a country now suspicious of people of Middle Eastern descent.

One of Ohio State's own food science majors from the Middle East is now seeking employment at a time when his name provokes distrust. "He sees our nation of immigrants as a people now willing to trade greatness for security," Lee said.

There is an unfortunate history of such thinking in the United States. The injustices Lee experienced during the Vietnam War weren't the first his family encountered. His parents were mistaken for Japanese during World War II -- they were not interned, but they were treated badly nonetheless. "Despite U.S. citizenship and a degree from Fordham University, my father's postgraduate options were limited to a Chinese laundry," Lee said. "I am the first in four generations with options beyond laundry, restaurant or service."

Lee said Ohio State's recent history points to a future in which those connected to the University will transcend stereotypes and prejudices. Friendships made "in this fast-growing Buckeye tree connect multicultural and diverse backgrounds," he said. "This is one of Ohio State's keys for success.

"We benefit from diversity. Scholars know different people see different ways to get from point A to point B. These varying perspectives make it much more likely we will actually get from A to B. Diversity is a solution. It is strength," he said. "This strength continues in spite of Sept. 11. Intelligent people do not affix blame based on race, religion or country of origin."Universities function as the engine of social improvement in this country, Lee said, noting that a revolution over the four generations of his American family has resulted in the recognition of the value of diverse perspectives and diverse people. "You are the heart of that university system, and you have made possible these achievements. The progress often is so small, so incremental, that you may hardly notice it, but thanks to you, we live in a richer and better place," he said.

Many graduates got to work making the world a richer and better place during their undergraduate careers. Lee cited Carrie Kincaid, who earned her B.S. in food science after just 10 quarters of study and with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Kincaid participated in undergraduate research, studying the effects of chocolate on the cancer process, and has begun her career as an associate scientist for Kraft Foods. Another graduate, Mark Garner, earned his B.A. in economics 15 years after starting at Ohio State. He worked full-time at a food packaging company, Combibloc Inc., to pay for this education, and plans to re-enroll in food science to continue building his lifelong learning network, Lee said. And Lee acknowledged Corey Edison Scott, who, upon achieving the highest level of education, noted, "ÔThere are many African-American MVPs, and it's now time for more African-American Ph.D.s.'"

Also among the 1,760 who earned degrees were Ruth Sherman, who received her Ph.D. in art education at the age of 77, and William Lutmer, who earned a B.S. in physics and, on the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and his commencement day, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He will attend Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training.

The military angle was not lost on Lee, who noted that this graduating class joins a nation at war and a nation of immigrants.

"Your class joins an extensive network of friends -- visible achievers and hidden expediters all over this planet, who will help you in every endeavor. Ohio State alumni are your lifelong supporters," he said. "Here at Ohio State, you have grown lasting friendships, and this compelling campus will always be your home. Here at Ohio State, you have acquired a worldly education that will widen your own circle of compassion and learning. Here at Ohio State, we are proud of what you achieved -- and we eagerly anticipate what you will accomplish.

"Now, you are poised to find your place among the branches of humanity and to solve the challenges of the day. OSU's global community of friends gives you the power to make a difference. You are empowered to do something great."

Holiday hope

Patient's family donates Douglas fir to The James

A story of love and devotion stands behind the lighting of the "Tree of Hope," the Christmas tree that annually adorns the grounds of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

The tree this year, a 30-foot Douglas fir, is a gift from Ray Shaner, a computer consultant from Springboro. It is dedicated to the memory of his wife, Carol, who died in April 2000 after having been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at The James just nine weeks earlier.

"She was the picture of health, always eating right and exercising," Shaner said. "She had even finished a 5K run in December and placed in her age category, so we were very surprised to find out she was sick," he said.

Shaner and his wife used to help out on the family's Christmas tree farm in Morrow every year, so he says it "just made sense" to pick a tree on his property to offer The James as the "Tree of Hope."

The tree was delivered to The James on Nov. 21. Shaner and his family attended the lighting ceremony on Nov. 30 outside The James. OSU Head Football Coach Jim Tressel flipped the switch and David Schuller, director of The James, offered brief remarks.