Commencement 2004

Ben Burtt '70 addressed a crowd of some 450 graduates and their families on May 9 in the David V. Wise Sport and Fitness Center. The College honored Burtt, known for his distinguished career in sound editing, with the degree of Doctor of Arts, honoris causa.

Burtt has earned Academy Awards for his work on Star Wars, E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. He has also directed television productions and films, including Blue Planet (an IMAX production) and The True Story of Glory, a documentary about the 54th Massachusetts Regiment featured in the Academy Award-winning film Glory.

In his introduction to Burtt's Commencement address, communication arts chairperson Michael Keeley described Burtt as "the physics major from Allegheny College who managed to convince millions of movie-goers that sound actually does exist in space."

Burtt's address balanced a nostalgic look at his experiences at Allegheny College with reflections on what it means to be a hero in the movies—and in real life. "You don't have to have super powers," Burtt told the graduates. "A hero is measured by his conduct one on one with each person he encounters. You can rise to the task anywhere you go. You can be a hero over and over again by putting others' needs before yourself. Encourage someone. Thank someone. Take the trouble to know each of your neighbors and coworkers by their first names. Pray for our leaders and nation. Bring up your children with knowledge of right and wrong. Serve with dedication no matter where you find yourself. Sacrifice and you will find joy and happiness in that action alone. Be a hero in real life and then, maybe, true heroes will return to the movies."

Pictured above, left to right: Chaplain John Colatch, Associate Professor of Communication Arts Michael Keeley, commencement speaker Ben Burtt '70, trustee Mary Sceiford '54, and President Richard Cook.