St. Lawrence University: Commencement

Hassan Raza '11, President of the Thelmomathesian Society
Remarks
Dedication of the Sullivan Student Center
May 15, 2009

On behalf of the student body, I welcome you all to what I have heard my fellow peers categorize as a signification moment in the history of this institution. I have known President and Mrs. Sullivan in various different capacities, which is why I feel exceptionally lucky to be standing here today as we honor and celebrate their legacy.

At the grand opening of this space in 2004, President Sullivan said: “The need for a new student center was first articulated in the University's facilities planning almost 20 years ago. Today we experience the reality that those early dreams have finally produced, and we already see the transformation of student life this new facility was meant to foster. Students are here in this building all day long and through the night. They are using it in the ways we had hoped, and are discovering new uses that we also hoped they would discover.” This certainly holds true for my time here at St. Lawrence. Given the existence of the Winston Room, Northstar Café, and the Hannon Room - I have seen strong connections between student groups fostered here in this space. I have seen students use this space to study, relax, eat, hang out, as well as other activities that capture the life of a college student. During finals week, I myself have watched the sun rise from the Thelmo office.

Student center enhances the leadership-oriented student culture that President Sullivan often refers to. In addition, this building has different meaning for different students – my predecessor, Jasper Burch ‘08 decided that the student center was a vessel. During one of his rowdy escapades, he commandeered this grand ship by somehow replacing the St. Lawrence flag with a pirate one. Thankfully, that lasted for only one night.

My fellow students have already adapted the name and I have heard it being referred to as Sullivan’s Palace, Sullivan Center, and Sully’s amongst others.

To the Sullivans: one building alone does not encapsulate the generosity of your gifts to St. Lawrence – I will however, say this that your service to St. Lawrence and its legacy remains in the hearts of our student body as the Sullivan Student Center remains the heart of our campus. Thank you and Godspeed.

Return to Commencement	Hassan Raza '11, President of the Thelmomathesian Society Remarks Dedication of the Sullivan Student Center May 15, 2009 On behalf of the student body, I welcome you all to what I have heard my fellow peers categorize as a signification moment in the history of this institution. I have known President and Mrs. Sullivan in various different capacities, which is why I feel exceptionally lucky to be standing here today as we honor and celebrate their legacy. At the grand opening of this space in 2004, President Sullivan said: “The need for a new student center was first articulated in the University's facilities planning almost 20 years ago. Today we experience the reality that those early dreams have finally produced, and we already see the transformation of student life this new facility was meant to foster. Students are here in this building all day long and through the night. They are using it in the ways we had hoped, and are discovering new uses that we also hoped they would discover.” This certainly holds true for my time here at St. Lawrence. Given the existence of the Winston Room, Northstar Café, and the Hannon Room - I have seen strong connections between student groups fostered here in this space. I have seen students use this space to study, relax, eat, hang out, as well as other activities that capture the life of a college student. During finals week, I myself have watched the sun rise from the Thelmo office. Student center enhances the leadership-oriented student culture that President Sullivan often refers to. In addition, this building has different meaning for different students – my predecessor, Jasper Burch ‘08 decided that the student center was a vessel. During one of his rowdy escapades, he commandeered this grand ship by somehow replacing the St. Lawrence flag with a pirate one. Thankfully, that lasted for only one night. My fellow students have already adapted the name and I have heard it being referred to as Sullivan’s Palace, Sullivan Center, and Sully’s amongst others. To the Sullivans: one building alone does not encapsulate the generosity of your gifts to St. Lawrence – I will however, say this that your service to St. Lawrence and its legacy remains in the hearts of our student body as the Sullivan Student Center remains the heart of our campus. Thank you and Godspeed.
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