“We know that higher education is essential to a healthy democracy. It’s where we prepare global citizens—not just for careers, but for real life: to think critically, engage across difference, and contribute to the communities we share.”
“Higher education has long fuelled American progress — driving innovation, leadership, and civic life. Beyond job training, higher education must prepare our students for a divided world and to talk across differences.
At a time when the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression are being challenged, it’s important to remember that debate can be a good thing.
It challenges individuals on both sides of an argument to think critically, shore up their weaknesses, and build on their strengths.
Graduates, you are prepared to do all of this and more. As a university president, I look out at our graduates today and feel confident that our strengths are abundant.”
See more from the 2025Â SUNY Brockport Commencement.
The SUNY Brockport Commencement was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Heidi Macpherson
Back to the Map
