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www.mybaycity.com December 25, 2009
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Jeff Daniels Goes From Sellout at State Theater to U-M for Honorary Degree

Journalist Helen Thomas, Onetime Detroiter, Also Honored at Commencement

December 25, 2009       Leave a Comment
By: Dave Rogers

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Regent Denise Ilitch congratulates commencement speaker Jeff Daniels as he receives his honorary degree hood from faculty representatives Michael Thouless, chair of the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (right), and Bob Fraser, vice chair.
 

Jeff Daniels sold out Bay City's State Theater early in December and then capped off the month by receiving an honorary degree and performing at the University of Michigan commencement.

"Think of Jeff Daniels when you celebrate creativity and the arts, and the joy they bring to our lives," said U-M President Mary Sue Coleman at the Dec. 20 event.

Daniels received an honorary doctorate of fine arts in recognition of his contributions to the state of Michigan. Daniels started the Purple Rose Theatre Co. of Chelsea in 1991 as a showcase for Midwest theatre professionals. He also is a national spokesperson for the Michigan Economic Development Council in television ads.

At the end of his address, Daniels surprised the crowd, which filled the arena's lower level, by reaching for a guitar that had been hidden from view. At first he joked they were in for a 20-minute version of 'Kumbaya,'" then closed with "The Michigan in Me," a tender tribute to the qualities of his home state.

In line with the rest of Daniels message to the graduates, the song contained the line, "We're only what we're leaving behind."

President Coleman said: "Whether you are finger-painting with your toddler, visiting your local library, or brainstorming ideas for a new business, your engagement in the creative process will add an essential dimension to your world. Mr. Daniels has proven this with the successful theater company he founded in his hometown of Chelsea, and our state is richer for it.

"Make it count. Make it have value. Make it matter," said Daniels, an acclaimed film and stage actor, playwright and songwriter who grew up and still lives in nearby Chelsea.

He also issued a sobering reminder to the 1,400 graduates at the 2009 Winter Commencement ceremonies in Crisler Arena: The world cares less about where they graduated than they might think.

"It's a wonderful achievement. This is a fine university. But you're going to find out tomorrow that the world doesn't care. But you can change that. You can make them care," he said. "And I ask that whatever it is you do, decide to do something that is your life's work, that is your passion, that means something to you. This world is full of people who aren't doing that."

Ms. Coleman continued, lauding journalist Helen Thomas, 89, a Kentucky-born Lebanese Christian who grew up in Detroit and was graduated from Wayne State University, who has covered national affairs through 10 presidencies:

"Think of Helen Thomas when you feel those in authority have neglected the true meaning of leadership. There is no shame in healthy skepticism, and you should not hesitate to insist on accountability from our leaders. She never has. Ethical behavior should never be a fad, but rather an inherent trait of any democratic organization, and you are responsible for making democracy real."

Ms. Thomas is nationally known, as the senior White House correspondent, for the tradition of saying "Thank you, Mr. President, ending Presidential news conferences. She began her career at the Washington Daily News in 1942, worked 57 years for United Press International and now is a columnist for Hearst Newspapers.

"Creativity. Critical thinking. Curiosity. And civic engagement. If we have done our job as faculty and administrators, you understand and appreciate the importance of these values. You know it will take many minds and different perspectives to develop the solutions and cures our world needs. You have learned this through your coursework and research, in your lab experiments, and with the student groups you joined and led.

"Carry these values with you today as keepsakes of your Michigan education. They embody the Michigan Difference, that measure of academic excellence that sets our university apart from other institutions, and that defined your education. It is what gives your diploma meaning, and it will serve you well in the next phase of lives we can?t wait to see unfold.

"As an alumnus, you will be the Michigan Difference. You will be the leaders and best because you will make an impact on our world. We will miss you on campus, but we will benefit from you every day because of the great work you are bound to accomplish."

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Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
(Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

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