Some of the happiest moments of spring are at graduation ceremonies. And hearing the commencement speeches that come along with them. Done well, these remarks speak to all of us, and echo well beyond the campuses on which they are delivered. Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has compiled a list of the best and most inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches and and quotes from famous commencement speakers like Taylor Swift, President Biden and more. Enjoy!
what were some of the best 2022 college commencement day speeches?
After two years of canceled and virtual commencements, most schools are back to celebrating graduation live and in-person. And they’re pulling out all the stops.
Ten of the best and most inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches and quotes from famous commencement speakers like Taylor Swift.
In an effort to make up for two years of missed ceremonies, many institutions have brought in big and powerful names to send their seniors off, and honestly, we can’t wait to hear what they have to say. These are strange times, and all of us – not only college graduates – could use a little advice. And who better to advise us than some of the smartest, funniest, most talented people in the world?
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A big theme we’ve noticed in this year’s commencement speeches is fear, and how best to carry on in the face of it. Great advice for new adults, but also for every person living in the world right now.
These are ten of the most inspiring commencement speeches of spring 2022 – some that we’ve already listened to, and some that we’re excited to hear in the next couple of weeks. If you yourself feel in need of a little guidance right now, you should check them out.
Inspiring quotes from 10 of the best college graduation day speeches in 2022
1. Anthony Fauci at University of Michigan, Princeton University, Roger Williams University, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Who better to address the graduates of 2022 than Dr. Anthony Fauci? Fauci spoke at University of Maryland, Baltimore, on May 19th; at Roger Williams University on May 20th; and at Princeton University on May 23rd.
Inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches. Dr. Anthony Fauci. Courtesy Photo.
At the comeback commencement for University of Michigan graduates who finished their degrees in 2020 and 2021, he balanced words of congratulations and inspiration with words of caution. He reminded the graduates not to “shy away from dreaming impossible dreams” and “seizing upon unanticipated opportunities,” but also stressed the importance that they fight against the pervasive “normalization of untruths” – a mission that is clearly going to be of key importance to this generation.
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2. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Attorney General Merrick Garland at Harvard University
Like many other universities, Harvard hosted two ceremonies this year – one for this year’s graduating seniors, and one for the graduates of 2020 and 2021.
Inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches and quotes from famous commencement speakers like Taylor Swift. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke at Harvard. Courtesy Photo.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the class of 2022 on May 26th, while United States Attorney General Merrick Garland addressed the previous two classes on May 29th.
Both of their speeches shared a call to action and a powerful warning message about the risk of the death of democracy. Ardern focused on crumbling trust in our country’s institutions, and pointed to the role that social media has played in the world’s current precipitous state. She declared that “the time has come for social media companies and other online providers to recognize their power and to act on it.”
Garland reminded the audience that “a democracy cannot survive if its citizens forsake the rule of law in favor of violence or threat.” He then added the more hopeful note that “we are all in this together. We must protect each other.”
Both Ardern and Garland called on the Harvard graduating classes to choose kindness, empathy, and public service – to be the generation that makes the difference.
3. Taylor Swift and Judith Heumann at New York University
On May 18th, New York University brought all three of their most recent graduating (or already graduated) classes to celebrate at Yankee Stadium. Disability rights activity Judith Heumann addressed the classes of 2020 and 2021. And pop icon Taylor Swift spoke to the graduates of 2022.
Taylor Swift gave an inspiring 2022 college graduation day speech to the graduates at NYU. Courtesy Photo.
Swift, who started her music career at the age of 15 and did not attend college, was given an honorary doctorate in fine arts by NYU. In a speech that went viral, she encouraged the 2022 graduation class to embrace “cringe.”
The line seems destined for the side of a coffee mug, but it was a message that many needed to hear. Swift encouraged the graduates to embrace their mistakes, and “learn to live alongside cringe.” It’s wisdom that may sound, well, cringey. But it’s excellent advice for young graduates.
She went on to say “My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best things in my life. And being embarrassed when you mess up is part of the human experience. Getting back up, dusting yourself off and seeing who still wants to hang out with you afterward and laugh about it? That’s a gift.”
Meanwhile, Heumann spoke about her work as an activist, reminding NYU’s graduates that they are ready to face whatever challenges life may throw their way.
4. Constance Wu at Cornell University
On May 25th, actress Constance Wu addressed the graduating seniors at Cornell University. With her work in Crazy Rich Asians and Hustlers, Wu has been of our favorite performers to watch over these last few years.
Inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches. Constance Wu spoke at Cornell. Courtesy Photo.
This convocation was structured differently than ones in Cornell history – it was open to only graduating seniors, and livestreamed for everyone else.
Wu’s remarks to the graduates focused on courage. She urged the Cornell class to have the bravery to say “I don’t know.” And to stay open to learning new things for the rest of their lives.
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5. Leila Fadel at Northeastern University
On Friday May 13th, Northeastern University’s graduation commenced at Boston’s Fenway Park. Award-winning journalist Leila Fadel addressed the crowd, speaking of her own experiences at Northeastern, and advising the graduates on – what else – fear.
She encouraged them to “search for their purpose,” within the feeling, and to “pursu[e] the hope of what could be.” She also reminded them that they “get to be the author[s]” of their lives’ blank pages, however daunting such a task may seem.
6. President Biden at University of Delaware and S. Naval Academy
President Biden delivered two commencement addresses this year: one at the U.S. Naval Academy on May 27th, and one at his alma mater, the University of Delaware, on May 28th.
Though the President has spoken at four previous University of Delaware graduation ceremonies, this was be his first time addressing the school as a sitting president.
With everyone’s minds on the hate-motivated mass shootings in Buffalo, Laguna Woods, and Uvalde, the President spoke to the the immense challenge that this generation will face, pleading with them to “take back” democracy. He, too, called the graduates to action, saying that, “This is no time to be on the sidelines. We need all of you to get engaged in public life and the life of this nation.”
7. Vice President Harris at Tennessee State University
On May 7th, Vice President Harris delivered the commencement address to the class of 2022 at Tennessee State University. She acknowledged the difficulties these graduates have faced along the road to their big day.
But she also reminded them of the many “opportunities for [their] leadership,” and the fact that the world they are entering stands to be “shaped by [them].” This is certainly a strange time to become an adult, and Vice President Harris managed to capture the contradictions of the moment with her heartfelt words.
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8. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland at Bard College
On May 28th, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland delivered the 162nd commencement address at Bard College.
The first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, Haaland has been a groundbreaking figure throughout her career, and we were excited to hear her tell the
graduating class her story.
The Secretary also offered some critical pieces of advice, including the essential reminder that “no one finds success alone.” As a closing line, she told the graduates to “be fierce” – wonderful words for them to hold in their heads as they make their way into the future.
9. Stacey Abrams at Spelman University
On May 15th, activist and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams delivered the keynote address at her alma mater, Spelman University. She too spoke on the looming subject of fear, urging the graduates to try and embrace the feeling.
According to CNBC, she offered an alternative perspective, reminding the class of 2022 that sometimes fear can be healthy, and even a useful warning. Memorably, she said that she likes to “take [her fear] out to lunch.” This is excellent advice for all of us to remember the next time we are confronted with our own feelings of anxiety.
10. Hilary Clinton at Columbia University
Hilary Clinton was not scheduled to deliver an address at Columbia University’s commencement. But when the former U.S. Secretary of State received her honorary degree, the crowd called for her to speak.
Best inspiring graduation speeches 2022. Courtesy Photo.
In her brief, impromptu speech, she congratulated the graduates. And urged them to remember that everyone is entitled to the kind of education they were fortunate to have received.
Also: “there is work to be done to ensure justice, equality and freedom.” These words encapsulate the scale of the challenge that this generation will face. As the many commencement speakers’ encouragements suggest, these graduates are more than capable of rising to the occasion. We can’t wait to watch them succeed.
Inspiring quotes from the best graduation speeches in 2022
Those are quotes from 10 of the best and most inspiring 2022 college graduation day speeches from famous commencement speakers like Taylor Swift, President Biden and more. Which one was your favorite, dear reader?
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Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.
