A trio of graduates leap in unison after entering Memorial Stadium during the KU commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Mystery writer and Kansas University alumna Sara Paretsky had sharp words for terrorists, lawmakers and even the KU football team on Sunday.

Paretsky, who got her undergraduate degree from KU, received an honorary doctorate degree for her contributions to the mystery writing and American literature fields and gave the keynote address during KU’s 143rd commencement ceremony in Memorial Stadium.

The football team and its less-than-stellar record in recent years was the butt of a joke — Paretsky said, like many Jayhawk fans, she finds basketball season more fun.

She criticized the government’s lack of support for education and excuse of fiscal savings she called insignificant.

And she called on graduates to combat the “willful ignorance” of groups like ISIS, and the fear they create, that threatens the safety and security of the world today.

Institutions of higher learning such as KU provide the best weaponry to combat this, she said.

“Questioning, listening, learning are the true antidotes to fear,” Paretsky said.

Sunny, warm and windy weather prevailed over Sunday’s commencement exercises.

Roughly 4,000 KU graduates participated, beginning with KU’s traditional processional of graduates through the Memorial Campanile, down “The Hill” and into the stadium welcomed by cheers from family and friends.

This year’s other honorary doctorate degree recipient was Ada Sue Hinshaw, for outstanding contributions to nursing science.

The ceremony also included recognition of a number of KU Medical Center and Lawrence campus award-winning students, plus future-focused remarks from KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Kansas Board of Regents Chairman Kenny Wilk.

Gray-Little praised KU’s contributions to science, learning, and the state, nation and world. However, she said, the school’s greatest contributions are the graduates it sends forth.

She said educators and parents all want to see the next generation better off than theirs.

“When you leave here today, it is your turn,” Gray-Little said. “I ask that you dedicate yourself not only to doing well, but to doing good — to being a good person.”

Wilk urged graduates to consider public service in their futures, and also to find momentum in the excitement of graduation day.

“Capture and hold all the positive emotions and energy of this day and what it represents, and use those memories to propel you to the years and decades up ahead,” Wilk said. “Never forget the great feelings.”

Back to KU football and basketball, Paretsky reminded graduates that life is more important and empowering than cheering on sports teams.

“As a fan we’re on the sidelines,” she said. “But you are the key players in your own lives.”