‘Be a Good Sailor on the Sea of Life’ 

 

Assistant Professor Dave Lutz’s parting advice to Colby-Sawyer's Class of 2025 was based on encouragement that he received from his maternal grandmother 25 years ago when he graduated high school: “Be a good sailor on the sea of life. A sailor who knows his destination, keeps his direction, and does not let himself be swayed away by winds and waves.” 

 

 

His grandmother, a Hungarian immigrant, had survived the Holocaust and the Hungarian Revolution and moved to New York City, where she worked on the docks.  

“No matter what the world threw at her, she maintained her internal compass, and the end result was that she made it to safety, to freedom and to a happy life,” Lutz said in his Commencement address Saturday, May 10. “I find this to be priceless advice: Know your destination, your direction, and keep your head up, and you can go anywhere you want.” 

 

 

Following are more photographs from the ceremony and several quotes — from Lutz, senior class speaker Brian Cal-Mallo ’25 and Interim President Laura A. Sykes ’98. 

“Your Colby-Sawyer faculty, staff and friends remain here to support you, laugh with you and celebrate your accomplishments. We will always be interested in knowing where your journey takes you from this launch pad. Colby-Sawyer will always be your home.” 

— Laura A. Sykes ’98 

 

 

“Acts of caring and selflessness are what keep our species persisting on this twirling chaotic rock. Adopting an attitude of selflessness will provide you with a sense of purpose that will orient you towards your true path.” 

— David Lutz 

 

 

“We are now stepping into a world that needs not just leaders, but listeners. It needs changemakers who are ready to make a difference. Let us be the leaders, innovators, and changemakers that Colby-Sawyer has prepared us to be.” 

— Brian Cal-Mallo ’25