Education Minister the Hon. Bertrand Joseph has charged graduates of Lehman College in New York to go forth into the world and make a positive difference that will result in the end of war and destruction.

Addressing graduates this week, Minister Joseph, a former student of Lehman College while reflecting on the power of the imaginative frame of reference said: "I believe that the promises and realities of democracy on this continent together with values driven information and technology can, through a process of visioning, bring forth a synthesis worthy of acceptance by all mankind.

I believe that we can bring an end to the alienation that unites us in the twin tragedies of war and destruction: masquerading, as it always does, under some grand epithet of religion, nationalism, race, ethnicity or similar refuge. My appeal to you is to go forth and labor towards those ends, so that we can make a positive difference in the world. Go forth and fulfill that mission."

Minister Joseph reminded the graduates that a Lehman education should at least equip them with a sense of achievement.

"This commencement exercise is a symbol of a new beginning, where you are sent forth to blaze new paths, to extend your reach throughout your respective spheres of influence, in order to ensure that the practical objectives of our education are realized."

He told the graduates that some will become resident and non-resident ambassadors, and some plenipotentiary, but whatever their status will be, "We are the ambassadors of Lehman. You must proudly raise its standards wherever you go, ever advancing to higher standards of excellence. Lehman has empowered you, Lehman now sends you forth" he noted.

The Education Minister told graduates that for 40 years, their Alma Mater has been molding men and women in the Herbert H. Lehman tradition. He told them "We are proud Lehmanites who are resolutely devoted to duty in the classroom and beyond. Men and women who, like Lehman, will proclaim to the world: "I will not compromise with my conscience; I will protect the liberties of our people."

Lehman's commencement ceremony on Thursday coincided with the college's 40th anniversary. Lehman College is a senior college of City University of New York.