May 22: Apology issued by student commencement speaker

by Father Dennis Dease, University of St. Thomas president

Many of you have become aware of remarks made Saturday during our undergraduate commencement exercises by Benjamin Kessler, a graduating senior.

As is our custom, the winner of the Tommie Award is asked to speak for a few minutes at graduation. Mr. Kessler won the Tommie Award earlier this year in a vote among students, faculty and staff, and thus was given the opportunity to speak.

I have shared my sentiments with Mr. Kessler that it was not appropriate for him to use the commencement exercise as a venue to express his opinions on several issues. I had hoped that he would focus on the accomplishments of his fellow graduates and challenge them to continue their efforts “to advance the common good,” as our mission statement urges.

I regret that the graduates and their families and guests were offended by Mr. Kessler’s remarks. Again, I want to congratulate our graduates on their achievements, and I wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. Kessler has shared the following statement with my office today:

“I'd like to take this opportunity to comment on the undergraduate commencement address that I gave on Saturday, May 20.

“I first would like to apologize to all offended by my words. As I stated in the opening line of my address, graduation is a time to look back and a time to look ahead.

“On Saturday, I looked back at some issues our university and our society have faced. I then looked ahead and tried to provide hope to all in attendance. Instead of providing hope to all, I offended some by my words and by my decision to speak those words at commencement. I sincerely apologize to each person I offended.”

I accept Mr. Kessler’s apology. I also want to state how important it is for all of us to treat one another with respect as we speak and as we listen, regardless of how controversial an issue may be. The St. Thomas culture has always been one that encourages respect and civility, and I sincerely hope that we can demonstrate that more consistently in the future.