A familiar and beloved face returned to Fordham and graced the Keating terrace stage last Saturday during the University’s 180th Commencement.
Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president emeritus of Fordham, was greeted with cheers from the crowd of nearly 25,000 people as he received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Fordham President Tania Tetlow. In presenting him with the degree, she cited “his dynamic leadership, tireless advocacy for the University and Jesuit education, and … all he has done to ensure that Fordham’s long maroon line continues to thrive in the 21st century.”
A ‘Day of Redemption’ and a Dream Come True
Father McShane has a special connection to the Class of 2025: His final year in a remarkably transformative 19-year tenure as president of the University coincided with the Class of 2025’s first year at Fordham.
“For my entire life I have dreamed of receiving a Fordham degree,” he said. He went on to joke that, though he was formerly the “shame and disgrace” of his family because “they all had Fordham degrees and I did not,” Saturday offered him a “day of redemption.”
Jokes aside, Father McShane thanked the Class of 2025. In heartfelt words echoing ones he has shared with tens of thousands of Fordham students and alumni over the years, he called the graduates to put their Fordham education to work as a force for good.
“I want you always, always, to be men and women of character, competence, conscience, compassion, and a deep commitment to the cause of the human family. That is your legacy,” he said, a catch in his voice, “and it will be the legacy you leave behind.”
Hear all of Father McShane’s speech and watch the conferment.
