Speeches / page 57

Hillary Rodham Clinton
categories: Keynote Address, Speeches
Speech to the League of Women Voters - June 14, 1994
June 14, 1994
Thank you very much. I have been in this room to give many speeches. I don't think I've ever seen a more enthusiastic, vocal crowd. And I wouldn't expect anything less from members of the League who have been leading the way for now nearly 75 years and have, in the past, taken on difficult and controversial stands in a nonpartisan way, putting the public's interest first, and this country owes all of you a great debt. I want to thank Becky for that introduction and, more than that, for […]
Hillary Rodham Clinton
categories: Eulogy, Speeches
Remarks on the Death of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - May 20, 1994
May 20, 1994
I just wanted to say, personally, that every day, this nation owes a great debt to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. And the nation has lost a treasure, and our family has lost a dear friend. We stand here in one of the many legacies that she has given to this house and to our country; in this garden, which is named for her, which she helped to realize. If she taught us anything, it was to know the meaning of responsibility -- to one's family and to one's community. Her great […]
Lisa P Jackson
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Tulane University Commencement Address - May 19, 2012
May 19, 2012
Good morning, Tulane! Hello Class of 2012! To President Scott Cowen, to Chairman Lapeyre, and the Board of Trustees, the faculty, the administrators, staff and alumni, the parents, the family, the friends, the musicians, the supporters, my fellow honorees, Ruby Bridges—who by the way the crow flies lived about three miles away from me and on your shoulders I stand [applause]—Peter Lacks, whose brilliance has already lit the past but will light our future without doubt. Laura—well done, congratulations. Troy, our ambassador for the city. Thank you all. Now it […]
Ruby Bridges Hall
categories: Keynote Address, Speeches
Address at the Clinton School of Public Service - Sept. 20, 2011
September 20, 2011
After that introduction that Spirit [Trickey] gave, I'm sitting there thinking, “Who in the world is she talking about?” I'd like to first thank Dean Rutherford and Nicolai for extending this invitation for me to come and share my story with you. I am deeply honored and very appreciative. Thank you so much. And thank all of you for coming out tonight to listen to what I have to say. Watching that film…. I'm always asked, “What do you think when you see that footage? What comes to mind?” And […]
Stacey Abrams
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Bowie State University Commencement Address - May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021
President Breaux, Provost Goodman, faculty, staff, family, friends and most importantly graduates, thank you for having me here today. Please allow me to commend the students, faculty, staff and administration of Bowie State University for your perseverance during what has been a tumultuous year. My time in college wasn't quite this rough. During my time, however, I became well known at the registrar’s office for my many majors. I dabbled in physics and philosophy, theater and English, history and film, deciding that I needed to declare each of them as […]
Angela D Merkel
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Harvard University Commencement Address - May 30, 2019
May 30, 2019
President Bacow, fellows of the corporation, members of the Board of Overseers, members of the Alumni Board, members of the faculty, proud parents and graduates: Today is a day of joy. It's your day. Many congratulations. I am delighted to be here today and would like to tell you about some of my own experiences. This ceremony marks the end of an intensive and, probably also, hard chapter in your lives. Now the door to a new life is opening. That's exciting and inspiring. The German writer Hermann Hesse had […]
Oprah Winfrey
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Howard University Commencement Address - May 12, 2007
May 12, 2007
President Swygert, trustees, distinguished guests, my fellow honorees, my shero Dr. Dorothy Height, graduates, parents, friends—what a deep honor to be here today for me. I think Dr. Gates said it best. You can receive a lot of awards in your life but there is nothing better… [tearing up; applause] there is nothing better than to be honored by your own. [applause] Thank you, thank you. I'll be calling myself Dr. Winfrey on Monday morning on The Oprah Show. [cheers and applause] Well let me just say that everybody I […]
Madeleine K Albright
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Columbia School of International and Public Affairs Commencement Address - April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
Dean [Merit] Janow, members of the Class of 2021, and your loved ones. I'm so pleased to help you commemorate this landmark moment in your lives. As a former student and current professor, I have always loved commencement ceremonies, especially the awarding of diplomas, the lovely music and the multicolored academic robes. And what could be better than when the diploma and the robes are from Columbia? As you can see, I never miss an opportunity to wear mine. I regret, after this most harrowing of years, you're not able […]
Joyce Beatty
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Ohio State University Commencement Address - August 6, 2017
August 6, 2017
Thank you. To President Drake, thank you for your incredible leadership and for inviting me to deliver today's commencement address. To the Board of Trustees, distinguished Deans, Faculty and Staff, proud parents, guests and—most of all—graduates, welcome and congratulations! Commencement comments are a special challenge, they are expected to charge graduates with plausible words of wisdom. So, graduates have no fear, I am well aware that on a day of such high excitement, what you require first and foremost of any speaker is brevity. I shall not fail you in […]
Susan E Rice
categories: Commencement/Baccalaureate/Convocation Address, Speeches
Ohio State University Commencement Address - June 10, 2012
June 10, 2012
Good afternoon, everyone. President Gee, thank you for your warm welcome and your outstanding leadership. The Ohio State University is mighty lucky to have you - again. If anyone out there doubts that public education can meet today's challenges, just come to the home of the Buckeyes. I'm honored to be part of your 400th commencement-the last class to hear those bells. I'm also excited because your invitation allows me to bring back to campus, for the first time since his graduation, a proud Buckeye who's very special to me. […]