FREDERICKSBURG -- U.S. Senator John W. Warner urged University of Mary Washington graduates yesterday to save Earth's environment while preserving America's role among nations.

"You face far more adversities and challenges than my generation," he told the 1,200 graduates who listened in the drizzle as Warner, R-Va., delivered what he called his last graduation speech.

Warner, who has decided not to seek a sixth term, said the world he entered when he graduated from University of Virginia 50 years ago was a far simpler place.

"You're faced with a global challenge," fraught with new economic and social threats to the American way of life, he said.

When you go to bed, he told the graduates, "remember the other half of the world are wide awake figuring out how to do your work better and frankly trying to strip you of what we love most -- our freedom."

Warner contrasted what he called his generation's disregard for the environment with the awareness of students graduating from college now.

"Now, your generation has suddenly come into a consciousness that we neglected," he said.

Warner received sustained applause when he mentioned legislation he is sponsoring to control man's contributions "to the mysteries of global climate change -- we cannot wait."

Yesterday's graduating class was the first that has attended Mary Washington since it became a university four years ago. The class of 2008 is also the 100th.

Among students and faculty honored was Justin C. Simeone, of Tolland, Mass., who graduated with a 3.99 grade point average. Dean of the Faculty Rosemary Barra presented him with the university's Colgate W. Darden Jr. Award.
Contact Lawrence Latané III at (804) 333-3461 or llatane@timesdispatch.com.