Class of 2017, we have a fight ahead
Commencement speakers share their thoughts on the state of the nation, and how to serve
Betsy DeVos, secretary of Education, Bethune-Cookman University: “No doubt you know Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s amazing story very well, but let me share some of it for those beyond this hall who don’t. As one of 17 children born to parents who knew firsthand the horrors and injustice of slavery, Dr. Bethune was the only member of her family to be educated in a formal school setting. She believed it was her sacred duty to use her education to uplift others. So in 1904, with a meager $1.50 in her pocket, Dr. Bethune built a school from the ground up. When someone asks you, ‘Why do you serve?’ you can respond, ‘Because a great woman — a great leader — a great American — Dr. Bethune — inspired me.’ When you face the challenges of your day, you can say, ‘I was courageous because Dr. Bethune showed me the way.’ And when some pursue dissension, you can engage in debate with grace and poise, just as Dr. Bethune did.”
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., Howard University: “Decades ago, I sat just where you sit now, feeling the embrace of my Howard family. At this moment, when voices at the highest level of our government seem confused about the significance and even the constitutionality of supporting historically black colleges and universities, I say look over here at Howard. History has proved that each generation of Howard graduates will forge the way forward for our country and our world. And now, it is your turn. We have a fight ahead. And it’s not a fight between Democrats and Republicans. It’s not rich vs. poor or urban vs. rural. It’s a fight to determine what kind of country we will be. You must be at the front of the line. You must lead. Get out there.”
President Trump, Liberty University: “You are living witness of the Gospel message of faith, hope and love. And I must tell you I am so proud as your president to have helped you along over the past short period of time. A lot of people are very happy with what’s taken place. America is better when people put their faith into action. As long as I am your president, no one is ever going to stop you from prac- ticing your faith or from preaching what’s in your heart. We will always stand up for the right of all Americans to pray to God and to follow his teachings. America is beginning a new chapter. We must always remember that we share one home and one glorious destiny whether we are brown, black or white. We all bleed the same red blood of patriots. We all salute the same great American flag, and we are all made by the same almighty God.”
Will Ferrell, actor, USC: “I did graduate in 1990 with a degree in sports information. Yes. You heard me, sports information. A program so difficult, so arduous, that they discontinued the major eight years after I left. Those of us with sports information degrees are an elite group. We are like the Navy SEALs of USC graduates. There are very few of us, and there was a high dropout rate. So I graduate and I immediately get a job right out of college working for ESPN, right? No, I moved right back home. My gut was telling me that I really wanted to pursue something else. And that something else was comedy. I was hired to the cast of Saturday Night Live for the ’95’96 season. I couldn’t believe it. And even though I went on to enjoy seven seasons on the show, it was a rocky beginning for me. After my first show, one reviewer referred to me as ‘the most annoying newcomer of the new cast.’ To those of you graduates sitting out there who have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to do with your life, congratulations. For many of you who maybe don’t have it all figured out, it’s OK. That’s the same chair that I sat in. Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result. If you do have a moment where you feel a little down, imagine me, literally picture my face, singing this song gently into your ear: And I ... will always love youuuuu.”
Lauren Duca, Teen Vogue columnist, Bard College at Simon’s Rock: “On my graduation day, all I knew was that I wanted to be a writer. It’s been four years now, and I’ve hurdled over every item in my five-year plan. I always thought that once I reached a certain level in my career, I’d stop being dogged by professional anxiety. I was prodding along in relative obscurity, and suddenly found myself catapulted into the public eye. Each new piece became increasingly vulnerable. Discussing politics, feminism and journalism on panels, podcasts and cable news was like having my values forged in the fires of Mordor. As a young woman who is constantly told she is not welcome or good enough, I have to pride myself on the dedication and intention. ... It doesn’t matter if the next five years contain a Nobel Peace Prize or a part-time job at a suburban Forever 21. If I guide and direct myself through it all with ethically driven ambition, that is what will matter. And, anyway, it’s all I can control.”
Preet Bharara, former U.S. attorney, New York Law School: “You can be, like I was, banned by Vladimir Putin from Russia. You can be accused of a crime by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey. And you can be fired by President Trump in America. And you can still be invited to give the commencement address and get an honorary degree.”