Change Agents 

Commencement, 2016. Professor Dan White spoke at the individual recognition ceremony for Department of History graduates, encouraging them to question accepted wisdom, and to be an active part of the community through public engagement.

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 18, 2016) – Historians have a special perspective on change that will serve them well as they face the future, Professor Dan White advised a crop of spring graduates at this year’s Department of History graduation ceremony.

This ceremony is one of many across campus, held by schools, colleges and departments to recognize each graduate by name. It is in addition to the larger Commencement ceremonies.

“Among the abilities we hope that you have acquired as students of history is tracing information to its source, and that comes into play in regard to change,” said White during the ceremony in the Campus Center Ballroom. The full text of the recently retired professor of history’s speech is available from the Department of History website.

White is the author of Lost Comrades, Socialists of the Front Generation, 1918-1945 (Harvard University Press.)

Professor Dan White, now retired.

He encouraged the graduates to question accepted wisdom, to step up and take action and to volunteer in the community, the latter of which is one of President Jones’ four key priorities.

“Whether it is with the immediate or the broader community, let engagement be a part of the legacy you bring away from the University. Here again, individual by individual, you can make change happen,” said White.

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