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Press Releases | |
May 21, 2000
Contact:
Billy Joel Tells Class of 2000 to Protect the Environment; Rocks Crowd With Song
Jane Finalborgo
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Famed musician Billy Joel told 351 graduates and a standing-room-only crowd to use some of their newfound knowledge to preserve the environment, while also entertaining them with jokes about his real-estate deal with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Then Joel broke out into an original song about the day that culminated with a roaring audience singing in chorus.
Joel's rollicking keynote address came on the heels of Southampton College Chancellor Robert FX Sillerman's announcement that he was donating $15 million to the college with wife Laura Baudo Sillerman from their Tomorrow Foundation. The Chancellor, who is executive chairman of SFX Entertainment, announced $10 million would go toward scholarships and $5 million toward renovating the library. It's the largest gift ever to any Long Island college.
Joel addressed the 34th annual commencement ceremonies at the liberal-arts college on Eastern Long Island nationally recognized for its programs in marine science, creative writing and the fine arts. He recently sold his local East Hampton home to Seinfeld and kidded about the town-record $35-million sale. "Good luck and good timing are just as important as a good education, although owning some nice waterfront property doesn't hurt," Joel said. "And I am sorry about this, but since I've sold mine to Jerry Seinfeld it's going to be more expensive than ever to live out here."
But before breaking into song (lyrics enclosed), Joel told graduates to remember Mother Nature as they get older and take jobs. "I hope some of you will use your recently gained knowledge and skills to preserve what is left of [Long] Island," Joel added. "The farmers are hard pressed to stay; the commercial fishing industry is almost gone; our scallops and our oysters are endangered; and the lobsters are dying everywhere."
"Maybe those of you who love this place can make a life keeping our island alive. So just to add some guilt to the pressure you are already facing, you are the graduates of the new millennium! It's yours to save or lose."