Commencement Speakers with Heart
Lessons learned from graduation guests.
Each year, Stonehill College invites honored guests to Commencement so that they can offer wisdom to graduates before they step out into the world and begin their careers. As we wrap up our milestone 75th academic year and prepare for this year’s ceremony, here’s a look back at some of Stonehill’s Commencement speakers and the knowledge they shared.
Making A Difference
In his keynote address at Commencement 2003, Andrew Card, former White House Chief of Staff during the administration of President George W. Bush, reflected upon the ways that students have learned to differentiate between right and wrong during their time on campus.
“Really, what you got out of Stonehill College was discernment as to how to make a difference,” said the honorary Doctor of Laws degree recipient. “When you leave here, you are not just taking the diploma, you are taking responsibility, responsibility accompanied by that moral compass that you can use as you make the tough decisions in life.”
James “Lou” Gorman ’53, former Red Sox general manager
Kenneth Feinberg, special master of the U.S. government’s September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
Taking Your Best Swing
When speaking to the Class of 2007, former Red Sox general manager James “Lou” Gorman ’53 used a baseball metaphor to inspire fans and non-fans alike. He encouraged students to always be prepared and to “take their best swing” when opportunities present themselves. He also drove home the idea that a good demeanor is an important tool for success.
“A positive attitude is not just a destination,” he said. “It should be a way of life.”
Serving Others
Kenneth Feinberg, special master of the U.S. government’s September 11th Victim Compensation Fund and the subject of Netflix’s Worth, came to campus in 2015 to deliver a speech to that year’s senior class. He spoke about building a life in service of others.
“Bask in the glory of what you have accomplished, and get ready for tomorrow,” he said. “Our nation has a vested stake in you. Your personal happiness and success, your determination to make out a life while helping your fellow citizens, benefit all of us.”
Sister Helen Prejean, renowned social justice advocate
David Simas '92, former advisor to President Barack Obama and CEO of the Obama Foundation
Dr. Judith Salerno ’73, Board of Trustees member and president of The New York Academy of Medicine
Letting Love In
Sister Helen Prejean, a social justice advocate, spoke at Commencement 2016. The Catholic nun, who was portrayed by Susan Sarandon in the film adaptation of her New York Times bestseller Dead Man Walking, is known for her work counseling death row inmates and the families of murder victims. She encouraged graduates to recognize the importance of community and the value of absolution.
“That's what forgiveness is, saving our own lives, not letting the love inside us be overcome by the evil. That’s grace,” she said.
Spreading Light and Hope
Almost three decades after his own graduation from Stonehill, David Simas ’92 returned to campus to address the Class of 2018 at Commencement. The Taunton, Massachusetts, native, who has made a name for himself in Washington, D.C., as former advisor to President Barack Obama and CEO of the Obama Foundation, urged students to inspire others wherever they go.
“Your responsibility as graduates, as Stonehill graduates — Light and Hope — is no matter where you live and engage, if there is an elderly person down the street and you haven't seen the person for a week, knock on the door to make sure she’s OK…That’s community. That’s leadership,” he said.
Acting Boldly and Passionately
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Judith Salerno ’73, Board of Trustees member and president of The New York Academy of Medicine, noted that graduates have an incredible opportunity to create a world that places a premium on compassion, resilience, equity and justice.
“Soon you will be asked to climb more and steeper hills,” she said. “I urge you to do so without fear, to act boldly and passionately, and to live your lives with open minds and open hearts. And that is the power of light and hope. Whether you become a doctor or a DJ, YOU have the power to change the world.”
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Educating with Heart
Celebrating the faculty who have helped inspire our students these past 75 years.
