Bestselling author and historian Brad Meltzer delivered the 2024 commencement address for his son’s graduating class at the University of Michigan—a message centered on the idea that there are only four types of magic tricks. the speech was quickly shared by Katie Couric, Maria Shriver, and many others, and went viral—featured on Good Morning America, MSNBC, Fox News, and beyond.
James Patterson, in his commencement speech at University of Florida, emphasizes the impactful nature of stories and their role in shaping lives. Drawing on personal experiences, he shares insights about resilience, rejection, and the importance of passion in one’s career.
In her Notre Dame commencement speech, Peggy Noonan, former Reagan speechwriter, thanked for the honor. Her address Emphasizing a forward-looking approach and constructive political discourse, she encouraged conservatives to preserve institutions and cherish the essence of free-market capitalism.
The May 23, 2014 Zadie Smith’s speech at New School University reflects on graduation The speaker advocates for recognizing joy in collective efforts, using a personal anecdote to emphasize the beauty of shared tasks. The speech concludes with a call to embrace interconnectedness, debunking the notion that exclusivity equals a better life.
In 2000, the iconic American author and journalist Tom Wolfe known for his unique writing style and social commentarydelivered a compelling commencement address at Boston University. Wolfe shared his insights on the changing landscape of journalism and the power of immersive reporting.The address emphasized the importance of honest storytelling in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Wolfe’s address was a testament to his enduring influence in the world of literature and journalism.
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.
Tiffany Shlain, the filmmaker, author, and founder of The Webby Awards, delivered an insightful and innovative address at the University of California, Berkeley in 2010. Shlain’s speech celebrated the interconnectedness of humanity in the digital age, emphasizing the power of technology to bring people together and amplify diverse voices. She told graduates to harness the potential of the internet for positive change, to be mindful of their digital footprint, and to use technology as a tool for building a more inclusive and informed world.
Lynn Sherr, the renowned journalist and author, delivered an enlightening and inspiring address at Wellesley College in 2010. Sherr’s speech highlighted the importance of women’s leadership, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the fields of journalism and beyond, moreover emphasizing the significance of women’s achievements and the role of education in empowering future generations of leaders.She told graduates to be fearless in pursuing their ambitions, to break through barriers, and to use their voices to make a positive impact in society.
Steve Blank, the entrepreneur, author, and startup guru, delivered an enlightening and empowering address at Philadelphia University in 2011. Blank’s speech celebrated the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of one’s entrepreneurial dreams, emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurship and the importance of thinking outside the box to drive change and innovation. He encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges of the business world, take calculated risks, and to be fearless in pursuing their ventures.
Neil Howe, the renowned historian, author, and generational expert, delivered an insightful and provocating address at the University of Mary Washington in 2012. Howe’s speech celebrated the importance of understanding generational dynamics and the impact of different generations on society, inspiring graduates to be mindful of the broader historical context and to work collaboratively across generations to address contemporary challenges. Neil Howe’s address underscored the significance of generational perspectives and their role in shaping our collective future.