President Richard J. Cook’s commencement address wasn’t just a farewell to the 2008 graduating class, but was also one culminating his 12 years at Allegheny College.

“My 12 years at Allegheny College have been a truly amazing experience, both professionally and personally,” he said.

In addition to lauding Cook for his tenure at the 193-year-old college, Christine Nelson, chair of the Allegheny College Board of Trustees, conferred on him the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.

“We have witnessed a remarkable leader at the pinnacle of his career,” Nelson said to the audience in the David V. Wise Center Sport Forum. She called Cook a man of “passion, humility and perspective.”

Robert G. Seddig Ph.D. also spoke about Cook’s “intangibles” that make him a “truly remarkable” man. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he described the outdoing president as having old-fashioned manners, an exemplary sense of fairness, and a “playful” side.

“The characteristics he values in others, we value in him,” Seddig said about Cook.

After receiving the honorary degree, Cook, who is the 20th president of Allegheny, thanked his wife, Terry, and the Board for bestowing upon him the “highest vote of confidence a university can give.” He also accepted the honor on the behalf others.

“I mean it when I say that any success attributed to me could not have been possible without the talent, dedication and good will of the faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, students, my family and many others.”

In his address to the record-sized class of 554, Cook imparted words of wisdom to students about success.

“You will likely sell yourself short if you surround yourself with like-minded people and comfortable, familiar ideas, settings and experiences,” he said. “If you don’t experience at least occasional discomfort or frustration in these activities, you are likely reinforcing what you want to believe rather than learning why you believe it.”

In conclusion, Cook then delivered to the students a list of “don’ts.” He said they should not defer “living fully” until they reach their sets of goals, and theat they should not cut corners “on what is right” or in any way compromise their integrity.

SUMMA CUM LAUDE GRADUATES

SUMMA CUM LAUDE GRADUATES (3.9 GPA or higher)

–– Yu Ling Kristin Khor, Penang, Malaysia (class valedictorian)