Commencement Speech Highlights 2023

Acommencement speech is a traditional address given at a graduation ceremony to inspire, motivate, and offer guidance to the graduating class as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. Typically delivered by a notable speaker, such as a distinguished academic, successful professional, or renowned public figure, the speech aims to reflect on the accomplishments of the graduates, celebrate their achievements, and provide valuable life lessons. Commencement speeches often incorporate personal anecdotes, wisdom, and words of encouragement, encouraging graduates to embrace their potential, pursue their passions, and navigate the challenges that lie ahead with resilience and determination.

Here are some of the most notable commencement speeches delivered to schools and institutions around the nation this year.

Howard University

“The soul of America is what makes us unique among all nations. We’re the only country founded on an idea — not geography, not religion, not ethnicity, but an idea. The sacred proposition, rooted in Scripture and enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, that we’re all created equal in the image of God and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. While we’ve never fully lived up to that promise, we never before fully walked away from it.”

President Joe Biden

United States Military Academy (West Point)

“You see what can be, unburdened by what has been. And you have the agility and the ability to bring that potential to life.”

Vice President Kamala Harris Rice University

“My parents’ story is proof that change is possible. But that story also attests to the fact that change doesn’t come to those who merely want it. It comes to those who work for it.” a lot of topics. It’s hard to say, and especially in a society that seems to thrive on sharp opinion and absolutisms and shuns nuance. Nobody wants to be the guy in the back of the room who feels like they are the only one who hasn’t figured out the answer. But guess what? Chances are neither have the guys in the front rows. Until we can acknowledge what we don’t know, we can’t possibly be asking the right questions. You don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room. Your aim should be to be the one asking for more information. The one audacious enough to say: ‘I don’t know.’”

Lester Holt, journalist Tennessee State University who have to decide to be one of three types of Americans: those who embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who won’t, or those who are indifferent. Only the first do the work of creating a more perfect union. A nation indivisible. The others get in the way.”

Tom Hanks, actor Loyola Marymount University

“Go about the world bringing justice, healing, and mercy.”

Martin Sheen, actor Northern Arizona University

“I realized there is more to life than work. Don’t wait as long as I did to learn this lesson. Take time to nurture your relationships, to celebrate your successes, and to recover from your losses.”

Karine

Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary

Villanova University

“‘I don’t know.’ It’s a surprisingly difficult thing to say for someone who spends each day providing answers to millions of people on

“There is more than enough wrong to keep you busy trying to make things right for the rest of your natural life.”

Oprah Winfrey, talk show host Harvard University

“For every graduating class, there is a choice to be made. It’s the same option for all grown-ups

Bill Gates, Microsoft founder Massachusetts Institute of Technology

“Pick what you think is the best path and just move forward.” Mark Rober, science YouTuber —Compiled by Christy Hinko

We’ll set it up, serve it up and clean it up! Choose from four menus or customize your own. See our BBQ flyer for details.