COE Doctoral Students Honored at 2018 Lehigh Hooding Ceremony

Doctoral candidates from Lehigh’s four colleges were honored Sunday for their scholarly achievements during a 75-minute hooding ceremony at Baker Hall marked with cheers and lengthy applause.

“You who receive your hoods today are the intellectual leaders of tomorrow,” Provost Patrick V. Farrell told the nearly 100 graduate students gathered on stage for the ceremony. “That is no small responsibility.” But he said they were well equipped to face the future given the “three formidable attributes” they demonstrated they possess: intellect, passion and perseverance.

Farrell referenced Franklin D. Roosevelt, who once said: “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”  Farrell told the students, “I’m sure there were times you felt at the end of your proverbial rope. Maybe you were questioning your own theories or you were wrestling with a bad case of writer’s block.” 

Yet, he said, they had achieved the highest degree in academics, a doctorate. “You stuck it out, you tied the knot and hung on...All your efforts paid off.”

He urged them to be generous with their talents. “And you will do great things,” he said.