Author and screenwriter Rita Mae Brown, a member of the Class of 1965

Author and screenwriter Rita Mae Brown, a member of the Class of 1965 and 1999 recipient of the American Association of Community College's Outstanding Alumni Award, addressed the graduates at the May 2001 commencement exercises as Dr. Steve Obenauf, Central Campus Professor of the Year, listened. Four months before the September 11 tragedy, Brown told the graduates that many of America's problems stemmed from the country's wealth and power. "Sisters and Brothers, pick up an oar and row," she told them. "We are all in the same boat together."