WESLEYAN PRESIDENT URGES MORE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION

Release date: Sunday, May 23, 2004

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MIDDLETOWN, CT – While addressing graduates during Wesleyan University's 172nd commencement ceremonies, President Douglas J. Bennet lauded the 50th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education but said much more needs to be done, especially when it comes to economic barriers to education.

"The question of access to education in our country is by no means settled. Fifty years have passed and racial isolation continues in many communities," Bennet said. "And now, the economic divide is growing. Studies confirm what we would guess. Chances that a student will finish high school, be prepared for college, and go to college, increase with family income. Economic barriers discourage many qualified high school students from seeking higher education. And many of our nation's brightest youngsters believe our best colleges are economically out of reach."

Bennet went on to exhort the graduating seniors to help break down these barriers and use whatever access they acquire to provide access and opportunities for those who have none. He pointed to the benefits that come from a liberal arts education and the lessons of Brown – including the hard work yet to be done – as he urged the graduates to continue to take up vital causes and champion the less fortunate.

"The class of 2004 is a worthy heir to Wesleyan's legacy," Bennet said. "You've shown it through your volunteerism and leadership, by your sense of personal and global responsibility. … Let's leave here today with a determination to use our own leverage in society to make sure there is real access to education for all."

Wesleyan awarded 704 bachelor of arts degrees, 86 master of arts in liberal studies degrees, 29 master of arts degrees, two certificates of advanced study and 13 doctorate degrees. More than 45 percent of Wesleyan students receive some sort of need-based financial aid. The commencement ceremonies were held on Wesleyan's campus in Middletown.

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