May we all be worthy of that awesome responsibilityknowing that better days always lie ahead if we come together in purpose and partnership to bring about peace on earth and goodwill towards all. Amherst, Massachusetts, May 13, 2022 Tags: Education , Local Issues AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY CONGRESSMAN McGOVERN: Go UMass! And by the way, my kids tell me you all know how to throw one hell of a party, and the food at Berk is pretty damn good. These are not imaginary problems. It will be tempting to let someone else do the work to step back, throw up your hands and say, not my problem. But if democracy just means leaving it to someone else, then our country is not going to work for you. This celebration recognizes fall 2022, spring 2023 and summer 2023 graduates. Sometimes, it feels like ignorance and lies are winning out over wisdom and truth. 334 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<489E20B50003904E9E415C8518550C52>]/Index[311 39]/Info 310 0 R/Length 112/Prev 178200/Root 312 0 R/Size 350/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Im not here to tell you that everything will be all sunshine and rainbows if we believe in democracy. Not just because people were hurt and died, not just because of the damage to a building, but because of the damage it did to our democracy. Founded in 1863 and home to nearly 30,000 total undergraduate and graduate students, UMass ranks no. Representative Jim McGovern called on graduates not to give up on democracy at the UMass Amherst graduation ceremony Friday. Remarks by Congressman Jim McGovern at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst's 2022 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony McGuirk Stadium. Especially when its hard. It was a humbling experience that taught me two things: First: whether you win or lose, the most important thing is that you have to get back up when youre knocked down. With hotels fully booked and reservations sold out at restaurants for several weekends, Gould said she worries that this will mean graduations all concentrated in a shorter time frame. When you lose an election, it doesnt just hurtit aches. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. .faculty-hiring-btn:hover { All undergraduate seniors are invited to submit a speech proposal for consideration as the UMass Amherst Undergraduate Student Commencement Speaker for the Class of 2023. }Customer Service. But it is important work. Enter your email address for news and updates, Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display, Member-Designated Transportation Projects, McGovern Releases New Report Highlighting His Work to Create Jobs and Lower Costs for Massachusetts Workers and Families, Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Requests Expedited Release of Home Heating Assistance Funds, McGovern, Markey Introducing New Bill to Protect Deerfield River, McGovern, Scanlon Convene Panel to Examine Legal Aid's Role in Combating Hunger. I wont tell you what to believebut I will tell you that you have been given an incredible gifta world class education. I want you to know that Im honored to be in the presence of such an amazing group of students who earned your degrees during an unprecedented, once-in-a-century global pandemic. Opposes oppressionor bans books. Christopher Huffaker can be reached at christopher.huffaker@globe.com. And Blaguszewski said that the expanded winter session, and the nicer weather later in the spring, should mean more students patronizing local businesses and enhancing their economic impact. Gere & Sons, Inc. Part of the Newspapers of New England family: Editorial:Passing the torch at the Amherst Survival Center, When Charlie met Joanie: South Hadley couple celebrates platinum anniversary at Soldiers Home, Feeling helpless at the helpline: UMass student operators faced barriers assisting others with financial aid, Amherst College alum played key role in Ultimate Frisbeesrise on the world stage, Police called on black UMass employee walking to work, Brothers keeping it simple with Deerfield diner, Guest columnist Jeff Lee: Amherst and Hadley far apart in property tax burden. It will be tempting to let someone else do the work. I'm so proud of you all! Its gut-wrenching. Amherst, Massachusetts, United States . University of Massachusetts Lowell McGovern was one of the last people who evacuated the U.S. House during the Jan. 6 capitol insurrection. The filibuster gives a minority of senators representing a fraction of the people in this country the ability to stop bills that most of us support. Boston, MA 02125-3393 | Tel: 617.287.5000. I tell you these things because I want you to believe deep down in your bones, like I do, that everything worth fighting for in this country happened because everyday people stood up for what they believed in. Faculty Recruiting Support CICS In 1965, he led 600 peaceful protestors on a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to show the nation and the world that Black voters in Alabama were being denied the right to vote. He played an important role in securing direct funding for UMass and our students through three COVID-19 relief bills during the pandemic. Progress doesnt come only in moments of victory or triumphit comes through the hard moments of disappointment and defeat, too. But at the same timeIm asking you not to forget that part of living a meaningful life is about being part of a community.