Even though they had completed their degrees, the quizzing wasn't over for Heidelberg University graduates Sunday afternoon.
Carol Cartwright, president emerita of Bowling Green State University, asked various questions when she spoke to undergraduate graduates during Heidelberg University's 159th commencement.
Cartwright, who received an honorary doctorate degree, asked graduates whether they had role models and mentors, whether they were willing to do their homework and whether they understood the value of having fun.
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PHOTO BY JILL GOSCHE
The graduate procession moves along Greenfield Street prior to Heidelberg University’s commencement ceremony Sunday afternoon.
"You cannot be a copy of someone else," she said. "You need to figure out how to best be you."
Cartwright asked graduates whether they had dreams and whether they had thanked everyone who supported them.
"Spend today giving thanks," she said.
Cartwright also asked students how they approach life.
"Is your glass half full or half empty? I was raised in a family of can-do people. ... My pockets were full in childhood with the coins of optimism, and I have been spending them ever since," she said.
Cartwright wanted to know whether graduates understood the value of failure. It is a key to success as long as people know they have to get up, learn and move on, she said.
"Mistakes are important," she said.
Brunswick native Cory Martinson, who received a bachelor's degree in political science, said all graduates had been given the opportunity to grow and create their own paths while at Heidelberg. He said the faculty, administration and staff often were the answer when people asked "Why Heidelberg?"
"Heidelberg would be nothing without them," he said.
Martinson said the graduates had been through a lot together and had become family.
"It was an amazing four years, but now it comes to a close. ... I thank you (fellow graduates) for an unforgettable four years," he said.
Nearly 250 graduates received bachelor's degrees after speeches were delivered.
"Congratulations to the class of 2012. ... We are excited for your success," President Robert Huntington said.
