Graduation season signifies more than students’ transition into a new chapter of their lives. Each year, campuses nationwide are visited by actors, philanthropists, leaders, politicians and journalists, where these dignified speakers will give commencement speeches and give their best effort at delivering inspiring messages meant to challenge and instill motivation in graduates. Thanks to the beauty of the internet, those of us who aren’t lucky enough to be in the audience are nonetheless able to listen to these speeches and take away some nuggets of wisdom.
From Sheryl Sandberg and Hillary Clinton to Will Ferrell and Oprah, this year’s commencement season is full of big names who have got a lot to say to the graduating classes of 2017. Here are a few of my favorites.
- Fareed Zakaria, Bucknell University. This celebrated CNN journalist is the author of “In Defense of a Liberal Education,” and his speech to Bucknell grads echoes much of the messaging Zakaria wrote in his book and often speaks to during his show. In his moving speech, he emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity and protecting a tolerant, free-thinking society. He imparts on the students that “The most important skill you need is asking ‘What am I not seeing?'” a lesson that resonates for all of us regardless of what stage in life we’re in.
- Sheryl Sandberg, Virginia Tech. Known as one of the most resilient women in the business world today, Facebook COO and founder of LeanIn.org Sandberg used her Virginia Tech commencement speech to encourage students to cultivate resilience, not just for themselves, but for others as well. As she spoke, she recalled how she dealt with her own personal tragedies and sought to inspire students by sharing how they helped her become stronger than ever.
- Bernie Sanders, Brooklyn College. As one could expect, Sanders’ speech was heavily concentrated on the politics of today. While he didn’t mention the current administration by name, Sanders asked the students to take action and respond to today’s economic, social and environmental issues. The goal of his speech was to inspire the students to get involved in anyway they can, stating “My message to you is very simple: think big, not small, and help us create the nation that we all know we can become.”
- Will Ferrell, University of Southern California. True to form, Ferrell’s speech was peppered with the comedic moments that he’s known for, but it was also incredibly inspiring. He shared his story of how he pursued his dreams, encouraging the graduating class to do the same while emphasizing the importance of staying humble, appreciating what you have and giving back.
