Bush praises volunteerism, service in speech at Catholic college

Published: 2007-05-14

LATROBE, Pa. (CNS) -- President George W. Bush praised volunteerism and service and encouraged the approximately 300 graduates of St. Vincent College to "take what you've learned here into the world and always live up to the high ideals that this college stands for." "The volunteer spirit of America makes us unique; it represents the true strength of our nation and must constantly be reinvigorated and renewed," said the president, who cited the traditions of St. Benedict and Blessed Mother Teresa in his May 11 commencement address. He pointed out two students from the class of 2007 for giving to others: Anthony Fiumara of Walkersville, Md., who spent two breaks teaching at St. Benedict School in one of the poorest areas of New Jersey, and Kara Shirley of Saltsburg, who during a service project in Brazil visited an AIDS clinic and brought comfort to a dying man. Bush also praised the approximately 40 graduates who are becoming teachers and the five who are entering the military.

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