Wilson hailed the day as one of "mixedfeelings" and as "the day when college presidentsare supposed to be founts of wisdom and shouldcome forth with noble truths."

Warning the group that she could provide nosuch guidance, Wilson said she wanted to give adifferent kind of message.

Wilson emphasized the need for members of theclass of '95 to respect their fellow human beings.

Citing race, gender and socioeconomicdifferences which threaten to divide Americansociety, Wilson said that "today there is anurgent need to earn and give respect over theboundaries of our differences."

"Without respect, fears can consume us," shesaid.

Wilson closed her speech by reminding the classthat they "have much to give, but will have to becreative and a bit humble in the way [they]share."

Rudenstine's address was decidedly morelighthearted. He joked about the nature of theceremonies that fill Commencement Week.

"If any group of oddly dressed people weregathered together soaring towards a colossalanticlimax, we are they," Rudenstine said.

On a more serious note, he reminded thesoon-to-be graduates that the future is morecomplex than they might realize.

"Your challenge is to gain more and moreself-awareness and self-perception to aid you inthe decisions you make," he said.

Rudenstine closed with a word of advice for thegraduating class. "I urge you all to beinteresting," he said.

"There are far worse things in life than to bedull, but it is just more interesting to beinteresting, not just for you, but for otherpeople."

His final words, advising students to "followyour heart as well as your head," were greetedwith thunderous cheers and applause from bothinside and outside the church.

The service ended with 12 tolls of the MemorialChurch bell in memory of those in the class of '95who did not live to see their graduation.

A special prayer was offered for Dominic J.Armijo '95, a Kirkland House resident whocommitted suicide last January