“I am especially proud to greet you today graduates because you fill me with hope. Hope in the future of your generation of our city, of our nation, of the countries that some of you call home all across the globe. You see there’s a great deal of energy these days being directed at colleges and universities and the remarkable …
“Our brand of liberal arts education is an expression of American democracy’s best parts. We are each of us empowered to pursue our own ends and that is good. A liberal arts education requires us to work together—democracy requires us to work together—and that is good.” See more from the 2025 Muhlenberg College Commencement. Muhlenberg College Commencement …
“What we know is that higher education is essential to a healthy democracy. It’s where we prepare you as global citizens, not just for careers but for every aspect of your life: to think critically, to engage across difference, and to contribute to the communities that you belong to.” See more from the 2025 Xavier University Commencement. The …
“You are civically prepared to contribute to our democratic society, and you approach others and new situations with curiosity, courage, inclusion, and grace. You start by respecting the humanity in everyone. Delving into civic preparedness, I reflect on the century-old wisdom of philosopher and educator John Dewey. He observed that, “Democracy has to be born again each generation, and education …
“Let me assure you this: as a UD graduate, during this time when divisions in society run deep, differences are feared, and truth is contested — you are ready to respond. Not with fear or contempt but with courage, thoughtfulness, an openness to new ideas, and a willingness to reach across differences. As a Flyer, you are prepared to use …
