In Memoriam: Julian Bond
To Members of the Skidmore College Class of 2015:
Skidmore College educates students to think creatively and lead lives that make a difference in our world. Class of 2015 Honorary Degree recipient Julian Bond did just that. I write to acknowledge the passing of this remarkable individual, exactly three months after he gave such an uplifting address at your Commencement. On that special day, he asked you to reflect upon how you will make use of the freedom you will experience as college graduates—challenging you to reflect on the values you will express throughout your life.
Julian Bond’s life was marked by creative thought dedicated to the struggle to make the United States a more just nation by fulfilling the promise of Civil Rights for African-Americans. The story of his persistence in striving to make the American Dream a reality not just for some, but for every U.S. citizen can inspire us all.
With these thoughts in mind, I want to share with you the story rotating on the College’s homepage and two additional local news stories:
- "Julian Bond Leaves Rich Legacy," Skidmore College, August 16, 2015
- "Skidmore Mourns Longtime Civil Rights Activist Bond," Schenectady Daily Gazette, August 16, 2015
- "Writer, Teacher, Poet Julian Bond was Champion of U.S. Civil Rights," Albany Times Union, August 16, 2015
The articles and the homepage story provide links to Professor Bond's Commencement remarks, which I've also included.
Julian Bond led a meaningful life dedicated to the eradication of inequality in all forms. We were all very fortunate that he could join us for a day we will long remember. We express our condolences to Julian’s wife, Pamela Horowitz, who also was our guest for this year’s Commencement, and to the entire Bond family.