Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Clarence Page Communicates Life Lessons to Ohio University Graduates

Contact: Jennifer Kirksey Smith, (740) 593-1043 or smithj12@ohio.edu

Editor's Note: Photos of the commencement ceremony can be downloaded from the Web at www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/commencement1.jpg; www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/commencement2.jpg; and www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/commencement3.jpg

ATHENS, Ohio (June 9, 2001) -- Chicago Tribune columnist and Ohio University graduate Clarence Page returned to his alma mater to pass words of wisdom on to the graduating seniors at the university's undergraduate commencement today.

"If you remember anything at all today, remember that you never get anywhere alone in life," Page said in the nearly filled 13,000-seat Convocation Center. "Everyone is connected."

Drawing on his own life experiences and the valued words of wisdom from his grandmother, he said doors of opportunity will open, and when that happens graduates must be ready to step in. "Today is not the end of your education, but the beginning," Page said.

Encouraging the graduates of the class of 2001 to make no small plans for their lives, Page challenged them to set big goals. He apologized that the elders before did not create a perfect world for them to enter, but that he believes the graduates will create "a more perfect union." Page, who received a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1969, writes a nationally syndicated column covering topics such as politics, race relations, societal trends, educational opportunities and values issues. In 1989, his column won the industry's highest honor, a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.

In 1972, Page was a member of the Pulitzer Prize winning Chicago Tribune Task Force series on vote fraud. Four years later, he won the Edward Scott Beck Award for overseas reporting on the changing politics of Southern Africa. He authored a 1980 series, "The Black Tax," that won an Illinois UPI award for community service.

When he delivered the 1993 commencement address, Page received an honorary doctorate from Ohio University. In 1991, he received the L.J. Horton Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Alumni from the university's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Page is also a member of the Ohio University Foundation Board.

Three honorary degrees were granted at the undergraduate commencement ceremonies to Sang-Hoon Bang, Thomas Mapfumo and Leona Hughes.

Bang, who received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio University in 1972, was honored with an honorary doctor of mass communication degree for his contributions to the field of communications and dedication to freedom of the press. He is publisher, president and CEO of Korea's largest daily newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, vice president of the Korea Committee of the International Press Institute, and CEO and president of the Korea Database Promotion Center.

Mapfumo, popularly known as the "Bob Marley of Zimbabwe" and the "Lion of Zimbabwe," received an honorary doctor of music degree. He has played a significant role in the development of African music for the past 30 years and has demonstrated that an artist can have a tremendous impact on society. Founder of the band "Blacks Unlimited," Mapfumo is renowned for his contributions to the liberation of Zimbabwe and Africa in general.

Hughes, who received a bachelor's degree in education from Ohio University in 1930, has supported a wide variety of Ohio University activities and initiatives. She has endowed a chair in economics, four Hughes/Cutler Scholarships and three tuition scholarships. She also gives of her time and energy, serving 15 years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and nine years as a trustee of The Ohio University Foundation. Hughes received an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Graduating seniors from the colleges of Business, Communication, Fine Arts and Health and Human Services received their diplomas at the morning session. Graduates of the Honors Tutorial College, University College and the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education and Engineering participated in the afternoon ceremony. Approximately 3,000 undergraduates participated in today's commencement ceremonies.

"Today is sort of an end of an era for me, but I realize it also represents a new beginning," said Joseph Hughes, who received a bachelor of science degree in journalism today. "I made the most out of my four years here, and have many great memories."