Comments on: Commencement 2010 at WWC: A great class hears a great address

By: Mark Simkins

Mark Simkins — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:10:40 +0000

Tony, I would like to review some facts with you. Although I will not dispute the veracity of your Amazon travel accounts, WWC MOST DEFINITELY had recycling programs back into even the early ’70′s and maybe before. All the pig manure went onto the fields where cattle feed crops grew and every month or so the Campus Crew loaded up an old box van with carefully separated office paper, glossy/magazine paper, and newspaper and drove it to the recycling center. And sold it for a profit!!!

By: North Carolina Miscellany » Blog Archive » Lost in the ’50s in Rutherfordton

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:38:59 +0000

[...] From novelist Tony Earley’s destined-to-go-viral commencement address at his alma mater, Warren Wilson [...]

By: Lisa Ohler Denman

Lisa Ohler Denman — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:55:03 +0000

Tony, this is a voice from the past. What exactly happened to your hair? Where did it go? I mean, matter is neither created nor destroyed, it had to end up somewhere. Just wondering.

By: Erin Murphy

Erin Murphy — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:21:02 +0000

Hey Ya’ll!
Beautiful graduation indeed. I wanted to let whoever reads this know that my brother took the photographs of everyone shakin hands with ‘stache. If you want to order a copy of that photo (5$ for an 8 by 10 print that can either be emailed or shipped to you) go to the attached website. He hasn’t finished editing them, but in the next week or two there will be a link on my brother’s website specifically for Warren Wilson Graduation. It’ll be easy to find. He also took photos at the pavilion lemonade and cookie event, so if you got a portrait taken then, those photos will be up too.
Thanks for supporting my fam, if you want to check out the rest of his photos or refer him for a wedding, portraits, etc, I can holler at a discount.

I love you Warren Wilson, class of 2010. Know that.

-Erin Murphy

By: Sera Streiff-Vena

Sera Streiff-Vena — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:49:16 +0000

Because I teach at a university, I am required to attend two commencements a year…plus we have gone to all the commencements of our children & those of their friends. But we have NEVER EVER heard a better speaker than Tony Early….not even close!!! We are STILL chuckling as we remember his wonderfully funny (but also poignant speech). I suspect that just the memory of this graduation will brings us smiles for many years ahead. We got such pleasure from the day: the bright happy (hot) sunshine, the euphoria in the faces of the graduates, the marvelous speakers, and the glorious reality that our beloved daughter, Elenore, graduated from this fine school which elevates service, learning and work (and judging from the mood of Saturday’s ceremony, HUMOR appears to be the invisible 4th branch of the WWC Triad!!!) to their rightful place in the grand scheme of life. Thank you, Tony! Thank you, Swim!! and thank you, Warren Wilson! We love you all!

By: Harold Burns

Harold Burns — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:30:06 +0000

I echo prior comments and write only to say thank you to Mr Earley. I will find and read your books. I do remember my commencement speaker at Wheeling Jesuit 40 years ago almost to the day, but I do not remember what he said, nor did I care even as he spoke. Soldiers were in fact shooting us down in the streets that month, and after graduation my draft classification changed from II2 (student deferment) to IA (draft eligible.) Life was hazardous, but still good as it remains. Mr Earley captured the beauty and absurdity of it all. I hope my son remembers him AND what he said.

By: Jenna Cruite

Jenna Cruite — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:18:29 +0000

I ditto the video request; I had to work so I missed what I hear was “LOL HILARIOUS”… I want to pee my pants laughing!

By: Eli Scott

Eli Scott — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:30:40 +0000

I want a video so much! if one crops up, please link it. Tony, you were hilarious and an amazing commencement speaker.

By: Bob Robertson

Bob Robertson — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:06:43 +0000

Absolutely the BEST commencement ever. Tony Early was amazing; truly a great writer, storyteller with an uncanny sense of comedic timing and delivery. Having been to a bunch of other commencements at other colleges/universities where the speakers just phoned in speeches that could also have been tired and uninspired commercials, Tony made it a joyous and memorable experience. Least we not forget to mention the great speech by Swim and everyone else who stepped-up to make it another great WWC experience. Nice job everyone!

By: Joyce Rousseau

Joyce Rousseau — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:29:29 +0000

I have been to several college graduations starting from when I was in my teens and this has to be the most outstanding commencement speech I have heard. While humorous, it shared some worthwhile sentiments.
I will always remember Daniel’s graduation ceremony with great fondness – it was a good experience for all of us.

By: Amy Hayes

Amy Hayes — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:28:29 +0000

Absolutely the best EVER Commencement speach! ROFLMAO!

By: Sarah Lovett

Sarah Lovett — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:26:52 +0000

My daughter is the youngest of 4 – so I have suffered..I mean sat through many commencements – and I have to say -this was the most delightful ever. Thank you for making a special day fun and memorable!

By: Farid Quraishi

Farid Quraishi — Sun, 16 May 2010 16:11:48 +0000

I think I peed my pants laughing. Thanks Tony!