Dirks also spoke of the current crisis in higher education, pointing to public disenchantment and disinvestment, and challenged graduates to help change negative perceptions by championing the kind of education they received at Columbia, reminding skeptics of "the magic of the classroom."
Salutatorian Damian Harris-Hernandez stressed the importance of an Ivy League education, not as vocational training, but as life enrichment, while salutatorian Tiekka Tellier, a former professional ballet dancer, spoke of the uncertainty of her future, explaining that being in a state of "not knowing" led her to understand the transformative value of her Columbia education.
Following these speeches, Brian Driscoll and Kevin McWilliams were presented with the Alumni Key Award for academic achievement and outstanding service to the School. These awards were the lead-in to the presentation of graduates of the Class of 2013.
Following the presentation of graduates, valedictorian Benjamin M. Shababo, a former film editor, praised the caliber of GS students, noting that GSers are distinguished from other students of the University by their strong sense of curiosity. He closed by imploring his fellow graduates to maintain a sense of wonder, reminding them that "the world is an endlessly interesting place if you let curiosity be your guide."
