Looking out from the lectern at Western Presbyterian Church, at his fellow graduates in the pews, Noble Freeman admitted he was a little jealous to see so many smiling families. Mr. Freeman explained that his godfather had passed away earlier that week, and his father, who was officiating at the funeral, was unable to attend GW’s annual Interfaith Baccalaureate.
Mr. Freeman shared his godfather’s last words with the audience of about 200, which assembled at the church on Saturday morning to hear musical performances, student reflections and a keynote address by Foggy Bottom native Colbert King, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post.
The final request Mr. Freeman’s godfather made was for a hug as he prepared to begin his next journey, Mr. Freeman said. Mr. Freedman noted that his father had made the same request of him when he dropped him off at the airport to fly to Berlin for study abroad. “We all cling to a certain amount of intimacy,” he said.
Four other students shared reflections on their faiths and their studies at GW.
Andrew Buonopane said that his international affairs studies taught him to better understand his Catholic faith and to be more tolerant. “We need to rediscover the value of talking to the people who matter the most about the things that matter the most,” he said.
Echoing the GW advertising slogan, “Something Happens Here,” Jehan Morsi, who held an internship in Egypt working on the pyramids, pointed to her heart to explain where things happen at GW. Ms. Morsi, who is Muslim, told the audience how important it is to “create self-worth.”
Bobak Tavangar, addressing the Baha’i tradition, discussed the theory of shades of gray – that there are no black and white answers. Mr. Tavangar, who spent a year and a half studying in Beijing, said the Baha’i tradition holds that there is no evil in this world, just a lack of good sometimes.
In the Jewish tradition, there is an emphasis on communal participation, so Melinda Michaels said she found it natural to involve herself in Jewish life on campus. Judaism also underscores the value of asking questions, she said, so she strives to engage in “the healthiest of internal struggles.”
Although the event had some very somber moments, there was also a lot of laugher. In her introductory remarks before a prayer, Alfreda Robinson, associate dean for trial advocacy, said all the graduating students were like President Steven Knapp’s children.
When Dr. Knapp assumed the podium to introduce Mr. King, he clarified Ms. Robinson’s statement. “If that first job doesn’t entirely work out and you feel the need to move back in with someone, you might want to try your biological parents,” he told the audience.
Dr. Knapp quoted from a lecture he attended with religion historian Karen Armstrong about the necessity for compassion. The Golden Rule is deeply ingrained in all faiths, Dr. Knapp said, quoting from Confucius, the Old Testament, the Koran and the Gospel of Luke. He offered a prayer that students’ “power of imagination” and “spirit of compassion” will never leave them and will continue to shape their lives.
Mr. King began by complimenting the George Washington University Singers and soloist Robert Baker, assistant professor of music, on their rendition of Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name.
Mr. King talked about growing up on 24th and L streets and being baptized at a church that used to be on 23rd Street between H and I streets. “Coming back to Foggy Bottom is like coming home,” he said.
The homecoming is not all rosy, though. Mr. King noted that School Without Walls used to be Grant School, which was for white students only and that Foggy Bottom had been a slave market. He stressed the importance of looking forward, particularly as graduates were embarking on their new paths. “This is a good moment to audit our lives,” he said.