It was the usual Commencement preparation: Chairs lined in uniform swags facing the stage; striped tents assembled to shade guests and graduates; potted plants positioned on platforms; golf carts zipping across Badgley Garden. And then came the sound check. Like The Force that rules the galaxy of jedi knights and their masters, The Voice rose distinctive and eloquent from behind the podium. The voice, accompanied by a man of striking stature, was that of Sidney Poitier. And at that moment, it was obvious that Commencement 2002 at Claremont McKenna College would be anything but dull.

Movie fans and film buffs would recall Poitier at the 74th Annual Academy Awards two months earlier, earning standing ovations as he accepted an honorary award recognizing an astounding career and an array of humanitarian causes. And now CMC graduates—some of them for the first time—were getting a good look at the seasoned veteran, likely wondering what words an actor would choose to bid them farewell.

“When I first received your most generous invitation to come and speak, I was troubled by the thought of what I would possibly have of interest to say to an educated, well-rounded, awesomely cool audience like you,” the 75-year-old Poitier said. “In fact, while waiting to be introduced a few minutes ago, the grounds for my earlier concern intensified as it gradually became clear that your presence here indeed speaks of quick minds, keen interests, vibrant curiosities, and expectations that threaten to keep me on my toes and make me reach beyond my grasp—all of which give rise to a little nervousness.”

Sown with fatherly wisdom, Poitier’s speech read like a tender battle cry for seizing the day. “Class of 2002, if restless expectations are thrashing about inside you in anticipation of what the future holds, that’s a good sign,” Poitier said. “If you are already searching and listening for hints as to when and where you might cross paths with that defining moment, that window of opportunity through which you and your education and talent will burst upon the world—maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, maybe next month—that’s a good sign.

“Your journey,” he said, “is ready to take wings, precisely as the clouds of my journey’s end are gathering up ahead…Class of 2002, this is the day the decks are cleared. This is the day you position yourselves for what tomorrow brings.”

Selection of Poitier as CMC’s 55th Commencement speaker was a dream seeded several years ago when the late John E. Allen ’73, founder and president of the Black Alumni Association of The Claremont Colleges and president of CMCAA, gave a copy of Poitier’s autobiography, This Life, to Athenaeum director Bonnie Snortum. He vigorously pursued bringing its author to campus.

“The Class of 2002 is fortunate to be hearing from someone so accomplished and widely recognized,” senior Katie Carnine said. In her introduction of Poitier, President Pamela Gann called the actor a “standard bearer of excellence and integrity in both his personal and his public life.”

The CMC Board of Trustees honored Poitier with the College’s Distinguished Public Service Award, an honor given only a dozen times in CMC’s history.

On a day dedicated to achievements, Poitier shared the stage with Robert J. Lowe ’62. Lowe, whose term as chair of the Board of Trustees ended June 30, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, presented by Trustee Arden Flamson and Profes-sor Sven Arndt, director of the Lowe Institute of Political Economy founded by the honoree in 1986.

“As a trustee of Claremont McKenna College, you have conscientiously and generously given your time, energy, and financial resources to further the mission of the College,” President Gann told Lowe.

In terms of celebrating milestones, none was more important than the conferring of degrees to the 286 members of CMC’s graduating class. Co-valedictorians Nicholas Janof and Daniel O’Neill shared in the class presentation, and the Rev. Wayne Maro, chaplain of The Claremont Colleges, led the invocation. The Latin salutation was presented by seniors Geoffrey Pelton and Erica Alterwitz. Heath Hewitt led the benediction.

In her remarks to the Class, President Gann reflected on the unforgettable year of 2001, including the events of Sept. 11. “You wanted not to wring hands, but to forge ahead, back to class,” she said. “And in a world turned upside down in but a moment, it has been my honor to be with you, to witness your combination of steel and optimism.”

This year’s graduating class included Fulbright Scholars Julie Jacoby and Sandy Uyekubo; Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars Jaclyn Ward and Kelly Freeman; Truman Scholar Megan Nelson; and Watson Fellow Kelly Freeman. Honored faculty included associate professor of psychology Susan Murphy, who received the Roy P. Crocker Award for Merit, and John Croul Chair in Modern European History, Jonathan Petropoulos, who was awarded the G. David Huntoon Senior Teaching Award. The Glenn R. Huntoon Award for Superior Teaching was given to Robert A. Day Distinguished Professor of Accounting Marc Massoud, while Von Tobel Professor of Economics and Department Chair Janet Smith received the Presidential Award for Merit.

Commencement 2002 ended with a reception for graduates, faculty, friends, and family on Parents Field. But the words of its celebrated guests may not soon be forgotten. And that’s probably a heck of a good sign.

From left, Class of 2002 graduates Nicholas Bonacci, Joshua Bornstein, Scott Bowen, and Soames Boyle.