Commencement Address

Commencement Address of Harvard University

-------- by Mary Robinson

President Rudenstine, fellow graduates, friends of Harvard, it's a great honor and pleasure to invited today to share this happy occasion, not only with the members of the graduating class of 1998, but also with the families and friends who have no doubt supported you along the way with their kind words of advice and encouragement. I do remember sitting for so many of you sat this morning when I was part of the class of 1968. I still remember how uncertain and insecure I felt but how proud my father was on the day. Your families and your professors are rightfully proud of your achievement and are delighted to see you graduate with futures so bright with promise.

I too am proud. I am proud to see so many capable young men and women about to embark on a future career where they can put their years of learning and preparation to good use. Having passed through the rigors of a formal education, you are now ready to assume new responsibilities and tasks, become answerable only to yourselves with regards to your performance, your humanity and your soundness of judgement, in a world full of possibilities.

But I would ask you to remember that it is not a world full of possibilities for all. Each of you has been the beneficiary of a rare privilege. You have received an exceptional education at an exceptional place when there are many, in both your country and mine, and in many , many other parts of our world, who are just as innately talented and just as ambitious as your are but will never have such an opportunity. I say this not to make you feel guilty. You should be proud of what you have achieved.

But I do ask that you use your education to pursue only the worthiest of goals; goals that can contribute to the betterment of the lives of others; and goals that give you personal satisfaction because of their contribution to the society we live in.

You who graduate today and you who are recent and not so recent graduates who return to meet your Harvard friends again, can I believe do much to contribute to the betterment of society. You can become interested and involved in the world around you. By virtue of your education, you can offer society the benefits of your focused knowledge, as well as a wider wisdom and a great sense of purpose. You also have the skills to teach others to be more tolerant, more understanding and more caring, and I am confident that your recognition of this special responsibility will guide your actions.

It's only to say that I wish you much happiness and success in the years ahead. May your memories of Harvard as mine are and the friends you have made here, be with your always. Congratulations to the new graduates and I am very honored to be linked with the honorary graduates of the year 1998, and be rejuvenated by joining the class of 1998.

Thank you very much!