Aaron quoted his late friend Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the legendary educator and president of Morehouse College, to deliver one of the most powerful lines of his speech. Dr. Mays had been a mentor figure and his words about the importance of aiming high resonated deeply with Aaron's own life experience. Aaron's career was defined by relentless pursuit of the highest goals. He endured racism, death threats, and enormous pressure as he chased Babe Ruth's home run record. By sharing Dr. Mays's wisdom, Aaron reframed the graduates' understanding of failure — the real tragedy is not falling short of your goals, but never having the courage to set ambitious ones in the first place.