Statement from President Robbins on John McCain

Sen. John McCain, the University of Arizona's commencement speaker in 2005, died Saturday at age 81.

John_McCain_in_Kyiv.jpg

A statement from University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins on the death of Sen. John McCain:

"At the University of Arizona commencement ceremony in 2005, Sen. John McCain told Wildcat graduates that he believed 'the true worth of a person is measured by how faithfully we serve a cause greater than our self-interest, that encompasses us but is not defined by our existence alone.'

By that standard, Sen. McCain's value has been immeasurable. Through a higher standard of service rooted in honor, courage, and commitment, he inspires us to reach across national boundaries and philosophical differences to learn from and care for each other.

I was blessed to have met this unique and honorable American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cindy and his family."