It is college graduation season, and it is hard to think of the occasion as anything but a mixed bag: On the one hand it is a supremely joyous occasion; on the other hand, one can’t help worrying about the future that awaits these graduates.
For some in the class of 2024 there will be no graduation ceremony. For those who do get to hear a section of Sir Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance Military Marches, Op. 39 played repeatedly as they march into full view of their family and friends, they may be lucky enough to hear a commencement speech by a Ken Burns or even President Biden. I got to witness an embarrassingly bad speech by a comedian/actor. But as the keynote speaker at the following day’s ceremony for the university’s business school graduates pointed out, it is highly unlikely that the graduates will remember anything said that day.
What I found odd about this commencement was–even though there were no protests–there was no mention of anything related to the social issues of the day. Well, Covid did come up. These students missed their high school graduations due to the pandemic, as well as social experience in their first year in college. Of course that is a major disappointment for these students, but unmentioned was the significantly greater loss incurred by many due to Covid, nor anything related to lessons learned from that period in our history.
If I were giving a commencement speech, I might start by saying, “Have you registered to vote? Will you vote? Will you knock on doors or spread the word on social media? Will you help to preserve our precious democracy?” Election Day is right around the corner and there is so much at stake. In fact, everything these college graduates care about is at stake (not to mention for the rest of us).
For me, the saving grace of the commencement was the invocation delivered by one of the university’s chaplains. It was delivered at the business school ceremony, but its message was universal, and perhaps–wearing my CCC hat–especially important for ultra-rich philanthropists to hear:
“May you understand the interconnectedness of markets, culture, history, religion and societies, and so strive for ethical leadership and responsible stewardship in all your endeavors. May your studies enrich your minds and impact your souls, understanding the human experience and your role in growing and shaping a better world. May you fully embrace the values of integrity, compassion and collaboration, lifting yourselves and others, recognizing every individual’s inherent worth and dignity regardless of background or belief, cultivating a sprit of individual and community growth. May you apply your knowledge, talent and skills to be an inspiration for and investment in current and future generations. Addressing the challenges of economic prosperity and economic justice with the intent of only serving the common good…. May you show respect, gratitude, mercy and love to those that have shown you the same during the Journey…. May this graduation be a blessed one. Amen to that.”
Amen to that.