Candle Lighting Ceremony

Brian C. Mitchell
Aug. 21, 2007

Good evening, again, everyone. Maryjane and I are honored to be with you as we celebrate the second Bucknell tradition of the night. Traditions have, in fact, provided the framework for your orientation to Bucknell.

You learned the alma mater at ’Ray for the Orange and Blue. Your accepted your pin at matriculation and processed through the Mathewson Gateway, officially marking your entrance to the University. You joined us in ushering in a new academic year tonight at Convocation. And now candlelighting will symbolically bind you to your classmates and to your fellow Bucknellians past and present.

The events of the past five days probably have not felt like traditions to you. Today, and for at least a few weeks to come, so much of Bucknell will seem new to you, even to those of you who have visited many times as you made your decision to become a Bucknellian. Starting now, though, Bucknell will change for you. The surprising will become familiar. The new will become comfortable. The confusing will become understandable. In the classroom and out, you will make your way to that extraordinary balance we see Bucknell students reach, between being their own person and being part of something larger than themselves.

Surprises never cease
Rest assured, in and out of the classroom at Bucknell, your discoveries and surprises will never cease. A great university is a place of constant energy for the mind and the imagination. But starting now, Bucknell will become what it will likely become for the rest of your life, a place you can call your own. With traditions like this particularly special one this evening, you become connected to Bucknell’s history, to your classmates, and to all Bucknellians around the world. And, we hope, you discover another reason why you can truly begin to call Bucknell home.

Ladies and gentlemen, the light that surrounds you is a light that connects you with your fellow Bucknellians. It is also light of learning, of shared understanding, of belief in the betterment of yourself and those around you. Maybe, too, it reminds you of the spark of passion, of vision and of courage within you.

Seeing this light, I am reminded of the words of William Bradford, governor of the Plymouth Colony:
“…as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation.” 

Light to the world
On behalf of the entire Bucknell community on campus and around the globe, I must say as well that we all are counting on you to bring your light to the world.

This concludes the candlelighting ceremony. Have a wonderful evening.

Posted Aug. 22, 2007