LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ -- Encouraging all to apply the lessons of science education for the benefit of their personal good and to question conventional wisdom, U.S. Congressman Rush Holt advised more than 1,000 Rider University graduates that most of their learning in life is yet to come.

Holt, who along with Trenton developer Ronald Berman received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, made his remarks during Rider's 134^th commencement ceremony on the University's sun-drenched Campus Green.

He noted that as much as his election as representative of the 12^th Congressional District last November was considered by many to be a surprise, it is these "twists and turns, fastballs and curveballs" of everyone's life that serve as moments of true learning.

"Teaching occurs when we recognize it the least," said Holt, who holds a Ph.D. and served for ten years as assistant director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory prior to his election. "Teaching comes from the way we live our lives, the way we behave, and the way we approach problems. For that, I would like to ask you to undertake some science education -- not because I think all of you are going to become scientists, but because there is a lesson from science education for all of us. It is wonderful to be alert for the unexpected, to have a capacity for wonder. It is also important to reject orthodoxy, to beware of true believers, and to guard against single-mindedness in yourself so that you don't become self-righteous.

"The most valuable learning is, indeed, the learning that overturns your preconceptions. It leads you not just to a knowledge of the world, but to a knowledge of yourself and others."

Berman, a native Trentonian who is currently developing the new Mercer County Arena and is a co-owner of the Trenton Titans minor league hockey team, reflected on the positive and negative changes that the City of Trenton has undergone over the past half-century, and implored the graduating class to take an active role in the resurgence of urban centers.

Berman pointed to a 1950s-era Trenton, which served as an economic and cultural center for the region. He then illustrated blight and failure that overtook the city during the 1970s, and the remarkable comeback made by Trenton in recent years through projects such as Mercer County Waterfront Park and the Trenton Thunder, the Roebling Market, and the refurbished War Memorial. He added that new initiatives, such as the arena and proposed hotel/conference center and performing arts theater, are additional signs that positive change will continue well into the next century.

"All of this is a strong beginning," said Berman. " But there is much that remains to be accomplished. What will the city look like in the year 2025, before most of today's graduates turn 50? That question can't be answered presently, but two things are clear: first, change is not likely to slow and will most likely accelerate; and second, it is your generation that will shape the future by your actions or inactions. Much depends on the speed and effectiveness of your responses.

"The stakes are high; how cities fare can have a profound effect on your lives," he added.

In addition to the conferral of 745 undergraduate degrees and 246 graduate degrees, two Rider University Awards for Distinguished Teaching were presented. The recipients are Dr. Mary O'Reilly of Skillman, NJ, professor of English, and Dr. Arlene Wilner of Yardley, PA, also a professor of English.

Tracy Van Es of Secaucus, NJ, who received her bachelor of arts in communication today, gave a rousing student address which concluded in a group "high-five" among the graduating class.

"Always remember that Rider University will be a place for us to be known, to be cared about, and to always be loved," said Van Es, who served the past year as president of Rider's Student Government Association. "Remember that we will always be a part of this Rider family. When we leave here today, it doesn't have to be forever -- we can come home again.

"The sea of black caps and gowns before me signify that we have come full circle," she added. "We're the University's last class of the century, and let me tell you -- they've saved the best for last."