It almost rained and several people almost sang.

In the end, neither happened as Sweet Briar College conferred degrees to 103 undergraduates and six Master of Teaching candidates during its 98th commencement exercises on May 12.

Aaron Mahler photo
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Class of 2007 president Irene Maslanik started it all when, from the podium, she confessed that every “cheesy song lyric about saying goodbye, love and inspiration” was going through her head.

“ ‘Lean on Me,’ ‘Wind Beneath My Wings,’ … they’re all in there,” she said, declining to sing them, though, lest her parents pretend to be someone else’s.

By chance the next speaker, SGA president Eleanor O’Connor, had drawn inspiration for her remarks from Cat Stevens’ “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out.”

It was enough to prompt Dean Jonathan Green, an accomplished baritone, to wish that he could contribute to the theme. “But all the song lyrics I know are tragic and generally in German,” he said.

O’Connor also presented the SGA’s Shirley P. Reid Excellence in Service Award. Each year, the student body votes to recognize a staff member for going beyond the call of duty and for enriching the college community. For the first time in the award’s 10-year history the vote was deadlocked, and O’Connor announced two winners.

A stunned Adam White — who as College chaplain was already on stage when his name was read — said later, “I was feeling kind of dopey. I thought, ‘I guess I should stand and get it now.’ ”

When O’Connor revealed the second recipient, associate dean of co-curricular life Kelly Kraft-Meyer was hearing her name announced as the winner for a second time. Kraft-Meyer also won the award in 2000, marking another first — to date she is the only staff member to receive it twice.

Maggie Saylor, chairman of the student Academic Affairs Committee, presented the Connie Burwell White Excellence in Teaching Award. It is given by the student body as a tribute to a professor’s dedication to his or her students.

Daniel Gottlieb, an assistant professor of psychology in his first year at SBC, also had a “What do I do now?” moment when he heard his name called.

“It’s flattering but also a bit embarrassing,” he said later. “There are so many dedicated and deserving teachers. … I’m grateful to the students for welcoming me into the community.”

This year’s commencement speaker, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, did not reference song lyrics. She spoke of a strong economy and opportunities for the graduating seniors who would be entering the best job market in years. She also had a message for the parents.

“Let me be the first to welcome your daughters to America’s workforce,” she said.

Chao — former president and CEO of the United Way of America, director of the Peace Corps and the first Asian-American woman appointed to a president’s Cabinet — also stressed the importance of giving back to community and country.

Chao was 8 when she and her family arrived in the States from Taiwan. They spoke no English and didn’t understand the culture. “Our lifeline to mainstream America included churches and community organizations and they provided us with the hope that life would get better and we could survive in our new country,” she said.

“As each of you begin your career, I hope you’ll believe and continue to remember that service to your community is part of your needed contribution as well.”

Sweet Briar’s Center for Civic Renewal recognized Chao’s own contributions by awarding her its fourth annual public service medal. Chao also received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from the College.

Among those earning undergraduate degrees on Saturday was one student who received an especially warm hug from President Elisabeth Muhlenfeld along with her diploma. As the president’s office manager, Karen Summers works alongside Muhlenfeld every day. The 14-year employee of Sweet Briar crossed the stage with the rest of the Class of 2007.

“What fun to hand a diploma to her,” Muhlenfeld said.