Commencement Addresses
Laura Bush, class of ‘68
May 16, 2009 — “As I reflected on what to say to you, I remembered my own graduation from ҽin 1968. It was the height of the civil rights movement. Young people were questioning the values of their elders and the United States was struggling against the spread of communism. Today, the Cold War is long over, we have elected an African-American as President of the United States, and there are more democracies in the world than ever before. Though you cannot know what the coming years will bring, I assure you they will bring progress and change – and that you will be part of it – just as my class of 1968 was part of what has occurred over the last forty-one years.”
President George W. Bush
May 16, 2015 — “Your ҽdegree will open the door to a wide variety of career options. Millions will never have had this opportunity. ҽhas laid a foundation so you can reason, and continue to learn throughout your life. It has given you the tools to be productive citizens. One of the great strengths of America is our active public square. Issues are influenced by the will of the people — As ҽgraduates, you are well-equipped to participate in these vital debates. My hope is that you speak out on the issues that matter to you”
