Skip to content

Graduation speeches of the year 2008

Here are the best graduation speeches of the year 2008.

There are some remarkable graduation speeches, that left a lasting impact on the graduates that were present that day. Amongst the ideas and wisdom that was shared there were emphasis on courage, empathy, pursuing passions for a fulfilling life, and much more.

As these graduates stepped into the world beyond academia, they carried with them the lessons and encouragement from these great speeches, shaping their outlook on challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Maybe one of this speeches can inspire you too. Read them and let us know.
The list is a work in progress, so come back to check if there are new, interesting speeches.

  • John Mackey

    John Mackey, the co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, delivered an inspiring commencement speech at Bentley College in 2008. Mackey shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and emphasized the importance of purpose-driven leadership in the business world. He told graduates to pursue their passions and values, highlighting the potential for businesses to create positive change in society.

  • Barbara Kingsolver

    Barbara Kingsolver, a celebrated author known for her literary works exploring social and environmental issues, delivered a thought-provoking commencement speech at Duke University in 2008. In her address, Kingsolver told graduates to be mindful of the world around them and to use their education to make a meaningful difference in society. She highlighted the importance of empathy, understanding, and taking action to address the pressing challenges of our time.

  • Angela Ahrendts

    Angela Ahrendts, a renowned businesswoman and former Senior Vice President of Apple Inc., delivered an inspiring commencement address at Ball State University in 2008. Ahrendts shared her insights on leadership, innovation, and the importance of staying true to one’s values in the corporate world.

  • Mike Tomlin

    Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered the commencement address at Saint Vincent College in 2008. With a successful career in coaching and a Super Bowl victory under his belt, Tomlin shared his insights on leadership, determination, and teamwork.He told students to to pursue their own goals with dedication and a winning spirit.

  • J.K. Rowling

    J.K. Rowling, the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, delivered the commencement address at Harvard University in 2008. In her inspiring speech, she shared personal anecdotes and life lessons drawn from her own experiences. Rowling told the graduates to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, emphasizing the importance of imagination, empathy, and resilience.

  • Clayborne Carson

    Clayborne Carson, a distinguished historian and scholar, was the keynote speaker at Niagara University’s commencement ceremony in 2008. As the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, Carson has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of Dr. King’s legacy and the civil rights movement. In his address, he shared insights into the struggles and achievements of this pivotal era in American history and highlighted the importance of social justice and activism.