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.
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.
Michael Oren, the historian, diplomat, and former Israeli ambassador to the United States, delivered a thought-provoking and insightful address at Brandeis University in 2010. Oren’s speech celebrated the importance of diplomacy, international relations, and the pursuit of peace in a complex and interconnected world. He told graduates to engage in dialogue, bridge cultural divides, and work towards global stability and cooperation. Oren’s address underscored the significance of diplomacy and the imperative of fostering international relations for the betterment of humanity.
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.