Retired professor gives Unity address

UNITY – A political science professor advised the Unity College graduating class Saturday to set aside their pessimistic views about politics and urged them to become involved in their communities.

Dr. David Purdy, Unity College professor emeritus, addressed the graduates during the college’s 34th commencement. Purdy, who retired from academia last year after a 25-year career in political science, reminded the gathering that while it may be wearying to do so, political involvement at the grass-roots level is necessary for world betterment.

“It is easy to become pessimistic about politics. But if you understand the politics behind issues, it lessens confusion and defines clarity,” Purdy said. “It doesn’t matter if you like politics or not, it’s there. If you walk away from it, it’s a political decision, and you’re leaving it to someone else.”

Purdy thanked the 114 graduates for choosing him to present the commencement address. He described the situation as “a trip. I’m very honored, kind of flabbergasted and flattered.”

Unity College is a small independent institution that specializes in baccalaureate programs in environmental sciences, natural resource management and wilderness-based recreation.

During a talk that ranged from personal observations to quotations from noted historians and the poetry of ancient Greece, Purdy reminded the graduates of their duty to their fellow citizens and the world around them. He said Unity graduates have gone on to important positions in public service and asked the class to consider similar professions.

He urged the class to look beyond the information provided by the electronic media because often there is more to the story than what is being presented in video clips. He reminded them to pay attention “even if you don’t do anything about it.” He criticized the large media conglomerates and singled out the Bangor Daily News and New Hampshire News as locally owned papers that were beyond the corporate reach of media moguls such as Rupert Murdock.

Purdy said the mass media fail to inform and report on the “millions of people trying to sustain and enhance the world” in an era of corporate dominance. He said he hoped the graduates would “link up with like-minded people to do something positive” while they move through their communities.

He cited the local community service group, Unity Barn Raisers, for their accomplishments and told the graduates to be on the lookout for similar groups wherever they pursue their careers.

“Look around and see what is going on in your communities. … Don’t lose your idealism, and follow your passions,” he advised. “Have fun, make some noise and make sure your love life gets the attention it deserves.”

Anthony Cardoso, student government president, gave the student address. Cardoso spoke of the friendships he had made during his years at the college and expressed hope that they would endure long after the graduates leave campus.

“I have no advice on real-world survival or life in general because frankly, I haven’t lived it yet,” Cardoso said.

The ceremony included the awarding of special citations to Jay Espy, president and chief executive officer of Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and Eleanor J. Brugger, a student at Mount View High School in Thorndike.

Espy was honored for his stewardship of an organization that is responsible for the ecological care of 324 Maine islands, 120 conservation easements and hundreds of miles of shorefront.

Brugger was honored for her commitment to the environment, conservation and community service. She has volunteered with Unity Regional Food Pantry, participated in every Unity College Day of Service with her Girl Scout troop, and is captain of her high school’s Envirothon team.