Commencement remarks to the CLA Class of 2018

Isn't it funny? 20 seconds of silence and no doubt you started to wonder, “What’s wrong?” “Did the microphone turn off?” “Did he forget the rest of his speech?”

It’s indicative of the world we live in today. Where every waking moment we have information coming at us. Calls and social media. Emails demanding attention. A huge list of saved posts and articles that you know you’ll never get a chance to read.

It’s no wonder then that quiet is sometimes the best way to get people’s attention. That the absence of something is what makes you sit down and take notice.

So now that I’ve got your attention for the next few seconds, let me ask you to do something:

Imagine a world without the liberal arts. 

Imagine a world dominated by texts, abbreviations and hashtags, but without the study of language, or writing, or public speaking.

Imagine a world in crisis without an understanding of political science or psychology.

Imagine nations facing financial collapse without the understanding of economics.

Imagine our community in search of meaning and beauty without music, theater, dance or art.

Imagine democracies seeking to thrive without an awareness of history and philosophy.

That would be a society without the liberal arts.

In its absence -- in that quiet -- what would you have?

We face a society where the value of a liberal arts education is much questioned. I’m sure some of you have heard things like, “What are you going to do with a liberal arts degree?” Or, “It’s a waste of time.” Or snarky comments like, “You’re going to end up working temp jobs for the rest of your life.”

But you and I know that that’s not true. We know that you’re more likely to become doctors. Or analysts. Or that you’ll go out and start businesses of your own.

And that’s not just wishful thinking. Many studies prove it. Our 150,000 alumni prove it. Employers consistently tell us that liberal arts graduates are among their best employees and leaders because you have great analytical and critical thinking skills. Because you're well-versed in applied problem solving and teamwork. Because you’re entrepreneurial and flexible and your communication and leadership skills are second-to-none.

What it comes down to is this: a liberal arts education gives you tremendous advantages for life after college, especially in today’s world that is global, hyperconnected, and in constant flux.

So today you graduate as ambassadors of the power of the liberal arts. You are walking, talking proof of the power of this model of education.

You will prove its benefits not just in your own lives and careers but in how you affect the people around you. Because ultimately, that’s what a liberal arts education offers societies: thoughtful, skilled citizens who can transform organizations, industries, and communities. Who do the most good they can for others. Who lead with compassion and empathy.

You’ll be the ones to say, “No, hey, wait a minute -- this has been tried before and it didn’t work”. Or
“Is there a different question we should be asking?” Or “I’ve thought of a new way to tackle this problem.”

You’ll do these things not in spite of but because of the liberal arts education you’ve received here.

You’ve taken classes in areas that were entirely new to you. You’ve worked with students and professors from around world. You’ve learned how to look at both sides of an issue. You have become 21st century leaders.

I asked you to consider what the quiet of a world without the liberal arts would look like.

But let’s flip the lenses. As liberal arts graduates, what will you bring to the world?

With your knowledge of literature, languages, and communications, you’ll synthesize and prioritize all that information that everyone is bombarded with.

With your studies in sociology, religion, and economics, you’ll tackle the most difficult challenges facing societies today.

With your training in journalism, anthropology, and the arts, you’ll help people understand the world around them, act, and move forward.

And with your drive, appetite for discovery, and desire to make the world a better place, you’ll be an inspiration for us all. 

You will be the ones who create the solutions and opportunities of the future.

You will be the ones who figure out how to get people to stop.

... And think.

... And listen.

I extend to you and your families my warmest congratulations and my best wishes for a brilliant future.

Congratulations Class of 2018!