Congressmember John Lewis speaks at QC graduation

BY PETE DAVIS

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 5:18 PM EDT

More than 2,200 Queens College students braved the rain and cool temperatures to get their degrees at the college’s graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 28.

The graduates, their families and friends held umbrellas on the quad during the rain-soaked ceremonies to hear the inspiring words of commencement speaker Georgia Congressmember John Lewis. Lewis, who was one of the “Big Six Leaders” during the civil rights movement, spoke about his upbringing outside of Troy, AL and attending a segregated school as a youngster.

Lewis also talked about the voter registration drive and protests he participated in during the civil rights movement as well as the extraordinary pride he had seeing Barack Obama elected president last November. Before Lewis received his honorary doctorate from Queens College, he challenged the graduates to continue to build on the progress made during the civil rights movements no matter what challenges lie ahead.

“Find a way to get in the way. Find a way to stand up for what is right, what is just, what is good,” Lewis said.

During the graduation ceremony, which local elected officials including Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressmember Anthony Weiner and Borough President Helen Marshall attended, students received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in all different programs.

“I believe that this may well be the most accomplished group of students to graduate from Queens College during my tenure here,” said Queens College President James Muyskens.

One of those students, Steven M. Appel, who delivered the student commencement address, was the editor in chief of the college’s student newspaper, The Knight News, leading it to national distinction and recognition amongst college newspapers. In addition, he has interned at Senator Schumer’s office and volunteered at the Salaam Center, Ezbet el-Nakhal in Egypt.

“Let us always strive to serve others and rather than ourselves,” Appel said.