Radcliffe Welcomes Class of 1999

Yesterday evening, nearly three hundred people converged in pennant-decked Radcliffe Yard for the 1995 Radcliffe Convocation.

After a formal procession, a range of Radcliffe officials and student leaders greeted the audience, extending enthusiastic welcomes to the class of 1999. Radcliffe Choral Society punctuated the ceremony with music, and a reception in Agassiz House followed the Convocation.

The remarks of keynote speaker Winona LaDuke '80, a Native American activist, drew a standing ovation and several minutes of applause.

"History is made by common people, people with courage and integrity, people like you and me," LaDuke said, as she encouraged undergraduate women to assume responsibility for issues outside of Harvard-Radcliffe.

"We are the mothers of nations, and we must care about issues facing our nations...women's issues are all issues and a woman's place is any-where she wants it to be," LaDuke said.

LaDuke also told her audience that personal fulfillment is not necessarily linked to financial success.

"Happiness comes from a spiritual wellspring, and comes to those who smile in the eyes of the creator," she said.

LaDuke, who was recently named one of Time's "50 Faces for the Future" and has frequently acted as a representative to United Nations forums, was received favorably by undergraduates.

"Ms. LaDuke had a unique perspective," Stacy M. Abder '99 said. "She made a most important point--that one's class in life has nothing to do with one's happiness, which is something more students here should realize.

Students said they responded not only to LaDuke's message, but to the ceremony as a whole.

"I thought it was really inspiring. with what Radcliffe is all about," said lee Ching Wu '97.

Lix R. Kivowitz '99 said she thought the convocation had provided a positive introduction to Radcliffe.

"They made a direct point of making us all feel welcome," she said.

"I feel like I could come here at any time and people would help me," Kivowitz added.

Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson said at the reception that she hoped the ceremony had served to welcome first-years into the Radcliffe community.

"We're really trying to get people inspired and connected at the beginning of the year," she said.

"We wanted to say welcome in all capital letters. We want [first-years] to feel at home and know that Radcliffe is a multiplying opportunity," Wilson said

Lix R. Kivowitz '99 said she thought the convocation had provided a positive introduction to Radcliffe.

"They made a direct point of making us all feel welcome," she said.

"I feel like I could come here at any time and people would help me," Kivowitz added.

Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson said at the reception that she hoped the ceremony had served to welcome first-years into the Radcliffe community.

"We're really trying to get people inspired and connected at the beginning of the year," she said.

"We wanted to say welcome in all capital letters. We want [first-years] to feel at home and know that Radcliffe is a multiplying opportunity," Wilson said