On a cool clear morning in April, a morning bright with promise, Antioch College celebrated its 149th commencement with the usual joyful noise.

Welcoming words were offered by President Bob Devine ’67, Chancellor Jim Hall and Trustee Judith Duncan Palmer ’61 to the assembled graduates, their families and friends, and the faculty and staff. Wise words from commencement speaker Winona LaDuke, herself a graduate of Antioch University’s program in rural studies, inspired graduates to fight the good fight for the causes of social and environmental justice. Student presenters expressed their delight, relief, pride, and anticipation in their finally taking that short walk across the mound and into their futures through speech, song, and even finger painting. Bestowal of an honorary degree lauding Martin Sheen’s years of activism preceded the conferring of degrees to the graduates. Afterward, amidst much revelry, hugs, and tears, another graduating class departed Antioch for new adventures beyond the bubble.

Actor, activist, and Dayton, Ohio native Martin Sheen was honored by Antioch College on Friday, August 31 in an informal ceremony on the steps of historic Antioch Hall. He received an honorary doctor of humane letters from the College in recognition of his years of work on behalf of peace and social justice. Sheen was originally intended to receive the honor during the April 28, 2001 exercises at which fellow activist and former Green Party vice presidential candidate Winona LaDuke gave the commencement address, but the shooting schedule for his award-winning television drama “West Wing” prohibited his attendance.

In a resolution adopted by Antioch’s Board of Trustees, Sheen was cited for his commitment to protesting the death penalty, American aid to El Salvador, human rights abuses in Latin America, the condition of farm workers in California, the Gulf War, home- lessness, and destructive environmental policies and practices. He was further recognized as a humanitarian who “has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to the values and ideals shared by Antioch College and many of its students” while in pursuit of a successful acting career spanning 42 years.

In remarks given at the April ceremony, a statement from Sheen read, “Please convey to your audience a story about an experience I had at Antioch that had a profound effect on my life. When I was 14 years old, in 1954, my older brother took me to Antioch to see a Shakespeare play starring Ellis Rabb. I vividly remember the bleachers and the ivy-covered walls of Antioch Hall as a backdrop to the play. Rabb reminded me somewhat of Basil Rathbone and I was moved by the power of his performance. This event had such a profound impact on me that I still think of it today with the same powerful effect… I wanted to share this story with you because Antioch played a central role in my pursuit of an acting career in the theater and beyond. I really want to thank Antioch for that experience and for the honor you give me today.”