On a January morning marked by bright sunshine and spring-like temperatures, the newest members of the Class of 2006 gathered in the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center to receive their diplomas during Winter Commencement ceremonies.

The event celebrated the 1,456 students who completed their degree requirements in August and December.

Continuing a tradition of distinguished alumni serving as guest speakers at Winter Commencement, Leonard P. Stark, an assistant U.S. attorney for Delaware, began his remarks by praising the accomplishments of President David P. Roselle’s tenure.

“[He] arrived on campus 17 years ago when I was a junior here. He happened to be the third president we had had on campus in three years,” Stark said. “He stuck around for 17 wonderful years, and in that time he has taken this institution to unprecedented heights, both nationally and internationally, while still retaining and enhancing the vitality of this institution as a central player in the life of the state of Delaware.”

The audience responded by giving Roselle a round of applause.

Stark also told members of the Class of 2006 that, through the use of the education they acquired at the University, they have the potential to continue to make the world a better place for themselves and their descendents.

“As graduates of this, one of the nation’s leading universities, you are equipped with all the tools you need to make the world a better place,” he said. “I urge you to go forth to use those skills to ensure that future generations are not able to look back on today and conclude that we had it so much better then.”

Stark also praised a mentor of his, James R. Soles, Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus, who was selected to receive the UD Medal of Distinction.

“There is a group of former students of Dr. Soles who call ourselves ‘the Soles seminar,’” Stark said. “We are a few dozen folks who get together once or twice a year down at the beach to talk about politics and watch CNN and just to hang out with Dr. Soles and benefit from his company and wisdom.”

Members of the group include judges, assistants to senators and governors, as well as successful lawyers and business people, Stark said, adding that many were in attendance at the Commencement ceremonies.

“I think that tells you everything you need to know about Dr. Soles and what he represents to the University,” Stark said. “When you realize how many extremely busy people with very full lives continuously go out of their way just to have the opportunity to spend some time with him, it shows that he is that kind of a man, that kind of a teacher and role model.”

After Stark’s remarks, Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented Soles the Medal of Distinction, which is awarded to individuals who have made humanitarian, cultural, intellectual or scientific contributions to society, have achieved noteworthy success in their professions or have given significant service to the University, the state and the region.

In his remarks, Soles noted that his own life has been devoted to the cause of citizenship, and he urged the graduates to become citizens in more than name only.

“We are born Americans, but that is simply a matter of birth,” he said. “I challenge you to become a citizen by earning the title through your actions, through your participation, through your commitment and through your dedication.”

A video podcast of Winter Commencement is available for downloading at [www.ums.udel.edu/podcast].