Honored alum to DWU grads: ‘Greatest thing in life is to be able to give’

As he looked upon nearly 200 graduates Saturday in the Corn Palace, Dakota Wesleyan University President Bob Duffett told them to bask in a feeling of accomplishment.

“You can make the case that you are among, right now, the best educated people in the entire world and that would not be a statement of hyperbole,” Duffett said during his commencement address. “It would be the honest-to-goodness truth.”

The DWU commencement ceremony included 196 graduates in cap and gown, ready to accept their degrees and move on to the next stage of their lives.

“Having this education is not the opportunity for less work, but the opportunity for more work and more opportunity to serve and more opportunities to do good,” Duffett said during his speech.

Duffett also presented David Jackson, of Napa Valley, Calif., with an honorary doctor of arts degree.

Jackson, who graduated from DWU with a bachelor of arts degree in 1971, was recognized for both his business and service contributions.

Duffett told the crowd that Jackson transformed a small country inn called La Residence into Napa Valley’s premier luxury inn. Jackson has also been involved in other successful real estate ventures.

Duffett said it was Jackson’s “life and tireless service to humanity” that led to the award of the honorary doctorate.

“He continues to erase the pain of others with donations of food, clothing and shelter or by helping them find employment,” Duffett said.

“David strongly believes Wesleyan gave him the abilities to create magic for others so that their quality of life will be improved.”

Upon acceptance of the honor, Jackson said it was “the greatest thing of my life.”

“I hope you’ll hang on to the service that you can provide or sacrifice for your fellow man,” Jackson told the graduates. “The greatest thing in life is to be able to give.”

Later in the ceremony, Rochelle Von Eye, dean of the College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences, received the Clarke Award for Teaching Excellence.

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