Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda of Iraq delivers commencement speech at Walsh University

NORTH CANTON − Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda has seen his share of atrocities.

The 53-year-old Chaldean Catholic cleric is archbishop of Irbil in Iraq, in a region where Christians are persecuted. He has founded a hospital, four schools and a nongovernmental organization. He has also built three churches.

Warda on Saturday, delivering the commencement speech at Walsh University, said society faces many social and political crises, such as consumerism, populism, violence and hatred toward others who are different, "dividing the world" into either good or evil.

"Greed drives the economy, politics and the media, giving the appearance of success, when only a dark shadow exists in reality," Warda said. "Jealousy replaces care. Forgiveness and reconciliation have become a sign of weakness."

He added: "The crises you face in America are no different from those we face in Iraq. We, too, are in a culture war, trying to achieve freedom to live our faith."

Warda said society needs a younger generation of Christian leaders who can provide hope and courage, driving away biases. He said Christ-like leadership is "not easy, but is simple, active, generous and spiritual."

A total of 638 students graduated from the university Saturday. The commencement was split into two sessions.

'Swords up!'

President Tim Collins opened the afternoon ceremony with a fervent speech, loudly and proudly rallying the graduates.

"Swords up! Swords up!" he shouted, referencing the university's slogan.

Collins said this year's class had students from nine countries and 35 U.S. states, involving 55 academic degrees. He stressed the importance of the academic and Christian education they received through their Walsh experience.

"When I look upon this group I see an incredibly bright future for all those communities in which you will serve and lead," he told them. "You have earned this. No one has given you anything. There are no participation trophies at Walsh University."

Honorary degrees

Local developer Roger DeVille received an honorary doctorate in business from Walsh. DeVille is the namesake of the university's DeVille School of Business and an alumnus from one of the first graduating classes. He graduated in 1965.

Collins also presented Warda with an honorary degree in theology.

Jaden R. Baxter, captain of the football team, received the prestigious Tower of Excellence Award for his contributions and service outside the classroom. From Akron, Baxter graduated with a bachelor's degree in government and foreign affairs.

The university's Outstanding Student Award went to Elena Gioiello of Girard, who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's in biology. She was recently accepted into Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine.

"Your greatest achievements won't be what you do," Collins told graduates. "It will be what you do for others."

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Iraqi Archbishop Warda, Walsh University celebrate 638 graduates