OK, grads, go win one for humanity

The words that have grabbed me most at this time of the year come from Horace Mann, the pre-eminent abolitionist and this nation's first great advocate of public education.

In 1859, Mann said: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity."

Now, there is nothing wrong with grads wanting to plunge into the work world to make an honest, if fat, paycheck.

There's nothing wrong with them stoking their mental fires by pursuing more degrees than a thermometer.

There's even nothing wrong with folks choosing a job that pays the bills but rumples their spirits, provided they have a hearty constitution -- or an even heartier barstool.

But for those to whom much is given -- in terms of educational or job opportunities -- much is expected. Graduates ought to consider giving back to society either in the work they choose or in the contributions they can make on the side to benefit others.

Career success and service to community aren't mutually exclusive.

Words of advice are fine. They resonate even more when they are accompanied by examples of people who have put them into action -- people who live Mann's maxim as their personal code.

These people are all around us, if we take the time to notice.

Fortunately, Antioch University in Seattle did.

Last year the school compiled a list, "150 Victories for Humanity," that highlighted people with ties to the Pacific Northwest who have shown a commitment to social justice, community engagement and lifelong learning. For some on the list the calling was part of a job they took -- or a job they took and transformed into something special. For others, the opportunity came through volunteer work.

Either way, these people are making a difference, big and small, in lives both local and global.

Elliott Norse was one of the victors.

He founded The Marine Conservation Biology Institute to protect and restore marine life on the West Coast and beyond.

Others were Kristen Corning and Nyla Mead, who gave formal gowns to disadvantaged teen girls so they could attend their prom.

Sherwin Shinn, a dentist, and his wife, Jerri, a registered nurse, offer dental and medical care to needy children around the world. Phil Smart has spent every Christmas for nearly 30 years playing "Santa Red Suit" for the kids at Children's Hospital.

Kelsey Tyler has shared her heart and home with 480 biological, adopted and foster children. Robert Young helps Native Americans build houses on reservations while Clarence Acox orchestrated a prestigious jazz program at Garfield High School.

Meanwhile, Jeanne Bluechel and Jay Prince collected more than 500 musical instruments for the Seattle Public Schools so children who couldn't afford to rent instruments could take part in school music.

Nancy Quitslund helped to establish medical clinics in Nicaragua.

And Bob Santos helped bring the community together to provide housing for the poor and elderly in the International District.

Two of the 150 victors of humanity were singled out for special notice -- the Horace Mann Award.

Oliver Tuthill Jr. has dedicated his life to increasing public awareness of emotional abuse. In 1995, he founded Autumn Tree Productions, a non-profit film company that produces documentaries and public service announcements.

"I try to speak for those with no voice or those who aren't listened to," Tuthill explains.

Kenneth MacDonald was the second recipient. He was one of the founders of the law firm MacDonald, Hoague & Bayless. In a long career, MacDonald successfully represented a Tacoma teacher fired for invoking the Fifth Amendment before the House Un-American Activities Committee. He also won a large settlement for a disabled public employee who was wrongly terminated.

"When I get up every day, I have two goals," he says, "I have to be needed by somebody and I have to have something to do."

For the new grads out there, MacDonald and Tuthill, like so many others, have set the bar. They've also help frame a question important for people embarking on a new life adventure:

What will be your contribution to our world?

NOMINATIONS

Antioch University in Seattle is taking nominations for local people who contribute to "victories for

humanity." The deadline is Aug. 6. Nominations can be sent by letter to Horace Mann Nominations, 2326 Sixth Ave., Seattle, WA 98121. Or by e-mail to the university's Michele Norris at mnorris@antiochsea.edu

P-I columnist Robert L. Jamieson Jr. can be reached at 206-448-8125 or robertjamieson@seattlepi.com

Add Robert Jamieson headlines to