Here are the best graduation speeches of the year 2013.
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.
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Judith Butler
In 2013, renowned philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler delivered aprovocating commencement address at McGill University. Butler, celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the fluidity of gender and identity, shared her insights on social justice, activism, and the importance of challenging societal norms .Butler’s address was a powerful reminder of the significance of intersectional feminism and the ongoing struggle for a more inclusive and just society,
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Barack Obama
In 2013, former President Barack Obama delivered a profoundly impactful commencement address at Morehouse College. President Obama told the graduating class to embrace their responsibilities as future leaders and to break down barriers of inequality. His speech at Morehouse College in 2013 highlighted the importance of education, perseverance, and mentorship, reinforcing his legacy as a champion for change and equality.
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Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis, the acclaimed jazz trumpeter and composer, delivered a soulful and inspiring address at the University of Vermont in 2013. Marsalis’s speech celebrated the power of music as a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people from diverse backgrounds, encouraging graduates to find their own unique voices and using their passions and talents to contribute positively to the world. Wynton Marsalis’s address highlighted the transformative potential of music and the importance of embracing creativity in all aspects of life.
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Stephen R. Kellert
Stephen R. Kellert, a distinguished Professor at the University of Western Sydney, Australia in 2013, made significant contributions to the field of ecology and environmental science. His work helped advance our understanding of the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of ecological literacy and sustainable living. Kellert’s research and teachings have had a lasting impact on how we perceive and interact with our environment.
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George Saunders
George Saunders, the acclaimed author known for his inventive and thought-provoking fiction, delivered a captivating address at Syracuse University in 2013. Saunders’s speech emphasize the importance of kindness, empathy, and authenticity in both writing and life. he told graduates to be compassionate and to approach the world with an open heart and a sense of humor. George Saunders’s address underscored the transformative power of storytelling and the significance of genuine human connection in our lives.
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Howard Gordon
Howard Gordon, the accomplished television writer and producer known for his work on hit series like “24” and “Homeland,” delivered an engaging and insightful address at Connecticut College in 2013. Gordon’s speech celebrated the power of storytelling and creativity in connecting with others and making a difference in the world, highlighting the transformative potential of storytelling and creative expression.He told graduates to pursue their passions and embrace the unpredictability of life’s journey.