Graduation 2004—Learning to Be a More Loving Being
Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick with USM's 2004 Graduation Commencement Speaker Barbara Marx Hubbard.On Sunday, August 29 the beautiful venue of Royce Hall on the UCLA campus was the setting for the University of Santa Monica’s 2004 Graduation ceremony. This new location welcomed not only USM’s largest graduating class in its 23-year history, 250-strong, but also over 1,400 family, friends, and guests filled the auditorium to participate in this joy-filled event and to hear this year’s rousing commencement address from Barbara Marx Hubbard.
On hundred and fifty-three received Master of Arts Degrees in Spiritual Psychology, with 22 more receiving Certificates of Completion in Spiritual Psychology. USM’s latest group of Soul-Centered counselors stepped forward, with 21 students receiving Master of Arts degrees in Counseling Psychology. In addition, 40 students received Master of Arts degrees in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Consciousness, Health, and Healing, and a further 14 received Certificates of Completion.
It comes as no surprise that an educational establishment dedicated to Soul-Centered education is itself growing at a remarkable pace—so fast that USM has outgrown two other graduation locations in the past several years. All those who came to the heartfelt celebration on Sunday agreed, this new setting at Royce Hall offered the appropriate levels of majesty, sacredness, and seating space!
The afternoon’s celebration began as Faculty member Dr. Sherry Phelan introduced USM’s President, Dr. Ron Hulnick. “The President of the University is a master facilitator. In the classroom he helps to transform lives. He takes complex, elusive principles and makes them simple, concrete, clear, and applicable; his humor adds a light touch that facilitates learning, making it fun and grace-filled.
“But the thing that he loves the most is the depth of the work, which leads people to heal issues for the very last time. Students describe him as wise, compassionate and kind. To the faculty and staff he is a role model for authenticity and integrity, a mentor, and a friend. “What I love about him is that he “gets” me, he sees me, and that helps me to see myself differently. He is a man who has a vision for making a global impact for peace and love.”
After acknowledging USM’s Board of Trustees, Faculty, and Staff, Dr. Ron Hulnick addressed the graduating class, their families, and guests, starting with an intriguing question:
What does it mean to be a more loving being?
“Students come to USM to learn how to be in the world as a more loving being. There’s a goal worthy of an educational process! So, what does it mean to be a more loving being? First and foremost, a more loving being has kindness, compassion, and consideration for others as part of their makeup. In fact this is who we truly are, we don’t have to work at being this way.
“At USM, we journey together to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of our loving, and then who we are just naturally bubbles up to the surface. A more loving person is also a forgiving person. We can find forgiveness in our hearts, first and foremost, for ourselves. What makes this year’s this graduating class unique is the way that they love each other. And, this is the next phase in our evolution on the planet and the work that more and more people are doing around the globe—not only learning to be more loving in the world but also learning to share that loving with others.”
In concluding his inspiring message, Dr. Ron Hulnick reminded the soon-to-be graduates of the remarkable programs that they had completed, and the tools and principles of Spiritual Psychology that they had received as a part of their education. “No matter what the circumstances or situation, there is no good excuse to not share your loving! It’s a tall task, but someone has to do it, and you have had the training. You have our love and support. The time we have spent together has been truly sacred. Thank you!”
Both upstairs and downstairs seating areas will filled to near capacity as USM’s Academic Vice President, Dr. Mary Hulnick, then set the granting of degrees in motion. She shared enthusiastically, “It is truly a honor and blessing to be a part of this University, and to experience the Grace we share as we go through his educational process together. To participate in this work with you is my greatest joy!”
After the 250 remarkable individuals who make up the graduating class of 2004 received their certificates and degrees, they were treated to an upbeat and powerful commencement address from Barbara Marx Hubbard. A world-renowned speaker, author, and social architect, Ms. Hubbard drew enthusiastic applause and laughter from the 1,700 plus audience members.
Co-Creating with Spirit
“I’d like to give everyone an award!” she enthused in recognition of the level of commitment and the value of the work each member of the graduating class had shown through their participation. “This is the new world . . . NOW! And this new world is being created wherever the work that you have been doing is happening. If we think that in order to change the world we have to make somebody else different, or to change something else, we lose touch with our essential divine energy in that effort. But when we join together in love and do what we do with love . . . we can create a fundamental shift in consciousness. We create a new, universal humanity capable of co-evolving with nature and co-creating with Spirit!”
After Barbara Hubbard’s uplifting address, everyone went outside onto a beautiful sunlit patio overlooking the UCLA campus, and many new grads took the opportunity to introduce their family and friends to Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick, as well as the other members of USM’s much-loved faculty. And, of course, there was plenty of time for delicious cookies and refreshments!
The class of 2004 now embarks on the next stage of their co-creative dance with Spirit. For many of them, that will be participating in USM’s newest offering, Advanced Spiritual Psychology: Soul-Centered Leadership. One thing is assured, the powerful presence of USM’s graduates as caring, compassionate, and loving beings in the world will contribute to an increase in the sum total of loving on the planet!
Congratulations Class of 2004—YOU ARE THIS UNIVERSITY OF SANTA MONICA! We love and appreciate you!
