George H.W. Bush addresses RIT Class of 1997

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A. Sue Weisler

Former President George H.W. Bush stops briefly to talk to the media during the processional into the tent for the Academic Convocation.

On May 23, 1997, RIT’s 112th commencement ceremony was highlighted by a visit from the 41st president of the United States, George H.W. Bush.

The former president spoke before an overflow crowd of about 7,000, whom he told “to take risks, to dream and not to fear failure.” Bush was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the RIT Board of Trustees, which he accepted from then-RIT president Albert Simone, who served from 1992 to 2007.

When asked why he came to RIT, Bush responded, “I like the excellence of this school. I’ve long been impressed by it and when I was invited to receive this high honor I accepted.” He emphasized to the graduates, “You have a lifetime of chances in your grasp right now. Don’t give up any one of them.”

Last May, the university’s commencement speaker was Charles Bolden, the 12th administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). More than 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students, including 42 doctoral candidates, received degrees.