The first Black member of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the youngest justice when he was sworn in in 1983, Justice Thomas expounded on the place of a liberal arts education in a free society in remarks titled ‘The Liberal Arts Are the Skills of Freedom.’
Thomas put forth that many people today think that a liberal arts school is where one gets the basics, a general education. But, he pointed out, when concepts are borrowed from other languages, a bit of the meaning can get lost both in translation and over time. Thomas explained the trivium—grammar, dialectic or logic, and rhetoric—which Plato’s dialogues deemed essential to a classical education and the quadrivium—arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy—which together form the seven liberal arts. “Arts means skill and liberalis means freedom…The Greeks had in mind teaching you the skills of freedom,” Thomas said, pointing out that there is nothing basic about that aim.
The Greeks believed these seven liberal arts were essential skills for a free person. Thomas pointed out that this thought process ties in closely to the founding principles of America, where even Thomas Jefferson said, “The person who thinks that he can be both ignorant and free thinks what never was and what never shall be.”
Thomas continued: “Who will understand the importance of rhetoric to persuade others in a proper way? Who will be able to examine problems and say this answer is the right one and this answer is the wrong one? Education pushes back darkness, and it lets you see the light.” Thomas encouraged students to use their light to illuminate the world around them, because a candle that lights another burns no less brightly itself.
In addition to Justice Thomas’s inspiring words, attendees heard remarks from Omicron Delta Kappa president Patrick Strite ’24 and President Larry Stimpert, who welcomed the start of the 2023-2024 academic year and the newest members of the Tiger family, the Class of 2027.
Following the oaths of the new student government officers and members of the Student Senate and Student Court, Dean of Students Richard M. Pantele ’13 highlighted the heroism and bravery of Dawson H. McAlhany’26, who sustained bodily injuries while intervening in a conflict in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, during last year’s fall break, resulting in his temporary departure from the College.
“The virtue of a Hampden-Sydney student does not lie in his ability to recite our mission or our codes, but rather his virtue lies in putting both of those into action,” Dean Pantele said.
Dean Pantele presented a commendation and resolution for heroism and bravery, voted on by the College’s Board of Trustees, to Dawson—who returned to the College during the 2023 spring semester—in appreciation of his actions and for exemplifying the good men and good citizens that the College looks to form.
After offering a warm welcome to all his fellow students, Student Body President Tommy Bishop ’24 highlighted the importance of supporting one another during times of change and transition. Tommy also challenged new students to find opportunities to become involved and grow in the brotherhood.
“Whatever it is that interests you, this is the place to pursue it,” Bishop said. “We all have passions and interests, but we must learn to be curious to a further extent; we must have a desire to find answers. In doing so, we truly do recognize the transformation from boys to men. No matter what sparks that interest in your mind, do it well, do it with excellence, and thrive.”
The program celebrated the accomplishments of 10 students. The Omicron Delta Kappa Award was renamed the Thomas H. Shomo ’69 Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Leadership Potential in honor of former H-SC director of public relations and author of To Manner Born, To Manners Bred: A Hip-Pocket Guide to Etiquette for the Hampden-Sydney Man,Tommy Shomo ’69.
Dean of the Faculty Walter M. McDermott, President Stimpert, and Patrick Strite presented awards to the following students in recognition of academic and extracurricular excellence:
Devanand M. Clark ’25 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Joseph K. Minton ’25 received the Samuel S. Jones Phi Beta Kappa Award, given to the junior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Joseph K. Minton ’25 received the President's Award for Scholarship and Character, which is presented to a junior who has excelled in the classroom at Hampden-Sydney and who demonstrates the quality of character that enriches the life of the campus community.
William P. Morris ’25 received the President's Award for Scholarship and Character, which is presented to a junior who has excelled in the classroom at Hampden-Sydney and who demonstrates the quality of character that enriches the life of the campus community.
Patrick R. Strite ’24 received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in Humanities.
John A. Torian ’24 received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
John M. Rowe ’24 received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in Social Sciences.
Daniel R. Nivens ’24 received the President’s Award for Overall Academic Excellence.
Devan Modak ’26 received the Thomas H. Shomo ’69 Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Leadership Potential, given to a member of the sophomore class who demonstrated real leadership potential during his freshman year.
James E. Tucker ’26 received the Thomas H. Shomo ’69 Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Leadership Potential, given to a member of the sophomore class who demonstrated real leadership potential during his freshman year.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and here’s to another fantastic year at Hampden-Sydney College.
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