Make it about the power of we! Because, if you do, you'll have a lot more than 'things worth having' — you'll have 'a life worth living.' And you can write that one down in pen.
speech graduation empathy
Jon Bon Jovi
Rutgers University-Camden Commencement 2015, 2015
You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. I don't care how much money you make, you can't take it with you. It's not how much you have — it's what you do with what you have.
speech graduation legacy
Denzel Washington
Dillard University Commencement 2015, 2015
We're the lucky ones, and we can never forget that we didn't get where we are today all on our own. We got here because of so many people who toiled and sweat and bled and died for us. We owe them.
speech graduation gratitude
Michelle Obama
Dillard University Commencement 2014, 2014
Be uncomfortable. Open doors. Empathize with strangers. Try new things out. Seek serendipity. Take chances with new friends. And pay it forward to people you don't know.
speech graduation courage
Victor Hwang
Austin Community College Commencement 2014, 2014
Remember the Holland in your life. When you've ascended these great heights and done these great things, go back and find that person and say, 'I've come a long way in life and I just wanted to tell you that you had something to do with that.'
speech graduation gratitude
James Carville
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Commencement 2013, 2013
Don't ever forget that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. It's the only thing that ever has.
speech graduation purpose
Aaron Sorkin
Syracuse University Commencement 2012, 2012
Don't be deceived by life's outcomes. Life's outcomes, while not entirely random, have a huge amount of luck baked into them. Above all, recognize that if you have had success, you have also had luck — and with luck comes obligation. You owe a debt to the unlucky.
speech graduation humility
Michael Lewis
Princeton University Baccalaureate 2012, 2012
Try to remember that every one of you is a star of your own. If you pay attention to others and extend a helping hand to those in need, you will be a star in someone else's life.
speech graduation empathy
William Chiu
Halsey Junior High School Graduation 2012, 2012
There is compound interest in altruism — the earlier you get started helping others, the more impact you will have over time.
speech graduation empathy
Biz Stone
Babson College Commencement 2011, 2011
Carry on. Carry us with you. Continue the revolution. Know that we are right beside you.
speech graduation legacy
Lynn Sherr
Wellesley College Commencement 2010, 2010
In everything you do in life, leave your mark. Be a great steward of the community and to society, and understand that part of your purpose in life is to leave whatever you touch better than when you found it.
speech graduation legacy
Drew Brees
Loyola University New Orleans Commencement 2010, 2010
We were all put on this earth to serve others. Sometimes the more successful you get, people tend to forget that. Don't forget, no matter how successful you become, to serve others.
speech graduation gratitude
Drew Brees
Loyola University New Orleans Commencement 2010, 2010