Let us now invoke the memory of the famous and the humble who have made a College in this place, who have bequeathed to us its heritage and traditions, and who have left to us the examples of their lives.
Let us now remember the nobles and the leaders, the understanding and the wise, the learned and the selfless in their diverse vocations: musicians, poets, scientists, artists, storytellers, philosophers, writers, critics, and teachers. Let us now celebrate the explorers of new fields of knowledge and the interpreters of the old; all those who framed the world's body and soul on Gambier hill.
We remember Bishop Philander Chase, the founder and first president, and the many people who helped to begin this community of higher learning, especially Sir Thomas and Lady Acland, Lord Bexley, Lord Gambier, Dr. George Gaskin, Lord Kenyon, George Marriott, Hannah More, Lady Rosse, and Timothy Wiggin. We also owe our gratitude to the donors of money to buy land, to construct buildings, to endow professorships, to provide scholarships, and to establish special funds.
Most importantly we recall that long unbroken line of professors and students, who continued the creation of this College while teaching, learning, and living at Kenyon. We take our place among them, confident of the influence we will have on those yet to come.
We particularly remember today those who have died during the year past...
Finally, we call to mind the larger community of Kenyon College: all the valiant seekers after truth, liberty, justice, and peace who belong to this place; those who have given guidance and good counsel in difficult times; and all who have supported the work of this college and have made it a "gracious and comely place," where new generations of women and men may become informed citizens who go forth to enrich the society of this nation and the world.