Alumni of Ave Maria University traded letters in the press this spring, sparring over their Alma Mater’s decision to host Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for a commencement address. In one letter, 36 signatories argued her appearance was inconsistent with the school’s Catholic values. But another letter, signed by more than 100 graduates, was subsequently circulated in support of the Florida school’s invitation to Devos, “affirm[ing] unreservedly” its right to host her.
When all was said and done, students seemed to come down firmly on one side of the debate, launching into a standing ovation on Saturday after DeVos actually delivered remarks. The secretary’s warm reception (which stands in contrast to the treatment she’s received elsewhere) might serve as something of a reminder that headlines generated by PR thrusts aren’t always fully reflective of reality, though they can gin up conflict with ease.
“In her roughly 20-minute speech, DeVos focused on the teachings of religious figures, including Jesus Christ, former Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, and emphasized the importance of service to God, country and neighbor,” the Naples Daily News reported. “The speech earned DeVos a standing ovation from the roughly 230 undergraduate students and their relatives and friends.”
The secretary’s prepared remarks at the small Catholic university just east of Naples were faith-centric, citing scripture and relying on the stories of historical Christian leaders to usher graduates into the next chapter of their lives. “Step out with faith onto those stormy waters,” DeVos urged students on Saturday.
“What you do now is up to you,” she concluded. “It’s not up to your parents. It’s not up to your professors. With God’s guidance, it’s up to you.”
