MANHATTAN -Former U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Kansas State University during the graduate school commencement Friday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.

Kassebaum Baker also served as the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony, telling the graduates we are in a new era where forces have combined to produce unprecedented progress and unacceptable uncertainty. “We are immediately connected world wide as never before. It’s amazing how one can Skype around the world, informed but perhaps less understanding. It is difficult to gain perspective on the vast array of the crisis occurring on social media.”

Kassebaum Baker cited comments by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address in 1958 which she believes fits today. “Balance in and among national programs, balance between action of the moment and national welfare of the future, good judgement seeks balance and progress. Lack of it eventually finds violence and frustration. We should be seeking balance for a changing world order.”

The former Senator  noted education is a valuable part of Americans’ achieving their goals and knowledge of the world around them.  She also pointed to change in the future noting that in 10 years at the current pace the world will have changed beyond present recognition, ranging from new medicines to new challenges and a fervent hope of a more peaceful world.

“It’s reassuring to me that our basic values will remain the same.”

Kassebaum Baker urged the graduates to maintain an open mind as they face the future. “It is a challenging time but I am confident that you know how to provide the leadership necessary. And I have great confidence the future will be in good hands with the graduates we have today.”