We were not able to be in San Diego, because Jeff was honored alumnus at the Eastman School of Music, and asked to deliver the commencement address on Sunday in Rochester, NY.

Here are some highlights from this very exciting day on YouTube (Jeff has a brief moment at 2:00)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL0g3lqKW9k

I was so disappointed to miss meeting many of you at the Hubbard Conference (especially Marie Rhodes!!!) but I felt it was important to be with Jeff during this important occasion.  Jeff and I met and fell in love at Eastman as undergrad students, and married the summer before Jeff's senior year.  

In his speech, Jeff spoke of the importance of our response to the failures and hardships in our lives.  He gave many personal examples of specific instances in his career which lead to moments of self-discovery and growth.   Jeff also talked openly about his multiple sclerosis, and how dealing with this disease has clarified what is truly important in his life.  He also spoke of how we must continue to remain students--open to learning new skills and expanding our brains--and used my involvement in MS research and the MS community as an example of a passion and new skill grown out of adversity.  The crowd of students, parents, faculty and guests gave Jeff a rousing standing ovation.  We met many after who had MS or had family and friends with MS.  Many of the faculty and administration offered their continued support into the investigation of CCSVI.

(As a side-note--Dr. Berislav Zlokovic, the keynote speaker at the Bologna ISNVD conference in March, is on faculty at the University of Rochester, parent university of our alma mater.  There is interest in CCSVI at the U of R, and we are very thankful.)

The wonderful journalist and writer, Anne Kingston, came down from Toronto for the day, and was able to hear Jeff's address.  The three of us sat down after commencement in a local cafe and shared our stories and hearts.  Again, my thanks to Anne for continuing to tell the developing story of CCSVI research and the impact for those living with Multiple Sclerosis.  The story is only just beginning....and that is the meaning of commencement,

Joan

Dean Lowry (l) and Jeff Beal (r)

Jeff onstage addressing the students

Joan on the stairs of the main hall at Eastman School

Anne Kingston (l) and Joan talking (with their hands, too!)