Diplomat urges VU grads to have vision

VALPARAISO | President Barack Obama's nominee for ambassador to the Republic of Serbia encouraged graduates at Valparaiso University on Sunday to take the next big step in their lives.

Mary Bruce Warlick, a 1979 political science graduate of VU, congratulated students at VU's winter commencement in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

"You are the next generation of leaders and mentors," said Warlick, whose nomination awaits Senate confirmation. "I hope you will find some way to share your skills and knowledge with others, as well as your compassion."

Warlick, who has served the U.S. State Department in Asian and European embassy posts since 1983, advised the group to cultivate a strong vision, to be optimistic, and to find their passion and "do it with certainty and conviction."

She reminded the students that they earned their degrees from "one of America's finest universities."

"Valparaiso has done all it can. ...  It now sends you on your way to be of service in our world," Warlick said.

Receiving an honorary doctorate of sacred music was Carl F. Schalk, considered one of the nation's premier Lutheran church musicians. Schalk, a composer, choir director and musicologist, taught music for more than 30 years at Concordia University Chicago and has written original music for more than 100 hymns and carols.

During the ceremonies, VU President Mark Heckler asked the graduates' family members to stand and receive applause.

"The knowledge, character, integrity and wisdom for which Valparaiso University graduates are known will help to guide you for the rest of your lives," Heckler told the graduates.

The group of 234 graduates included those receiving bachelor's, master's and law degrees.

Amanda Florio, of Graytown, Ohio,  just returned from studying in Cambridge, England -- the high point of her college career at VU.

"I flew in Friday, and I'm a little bit jet-lagged," said Florio, who earned a bachelor's in English and hopes to soon enter law school.

Alissa Carlson, of Swansea, Ill., is a music business major who hopes to land a job in arts administration.

"The years have gone by too fast," Carlson said. "All my friends are here. I'm going to miss all the people and the community of Valpo."