There is a good reason they call these ceremonies “commencement exercises.” Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.
—Orrin Hatch (1934–2022) American Attorney, Politician
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.
—Anthony J. D’Angelo
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
—Vittorio Alfieri (1749–1803) Italian Poet, Dramatist
When you leave here, don’t forget why you came.
—Adlai Stevenson (1900–65) American Diplomat, Politician, Orator
The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
The secret of success is constancy of purpose.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is to you.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
—Beverly Sills (1929–2007) American Singer, Musician
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder.
—Unknown
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
—Milton Berle (1908–2002) American Comedian, Actor
Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors.
—Louisa May Alcott (1832–88) American Novelist
If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away from him.—An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Some men see things as they are and say, “Why?” I dream things that never were, and say, “Why not?”
—George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) Irish Playwright
We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen years, and come out at last with a belly-full of words and do not know a thing. The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of education.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.
—Garry Trudeau (b.1948) American Cartoonist, Satirist
Put your future in good hands—your own.
—Unknown
The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.
—Ralph Washington Sockman (1889–1970) American Methodist Clergyman
The lover of a student does not always become the wife of a graduate.
—Mexican Proverb
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.
—William Arthur Ward (1921–94) American Author
The republic is a dream.
Nothing happens unless first a dream.
—Carl Sandburg (1878–1967) American Biographer, Novelist, Socialist
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
—Aristotle (384BCE–322BCE) Ancient Greek Philosopher, Scholar
The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.
—Tom Bodett (b.1955) American Humorist, Radio Host
Behind every success is endeavor…Behind endeavor, ability…Behind ability, knowledge…Behind knowledge, a seeker.
—Unknown
School’s out, Memories past, Don’t ever doubt, Our friendship will last.
—Unknown
You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.
—John Wooden (1910–2010) American Basketball Coach, Educator
Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.
—Buddhist Teaching
The wit of a graduate student is like champagne. Canadian champagne.
—Robertson Davies (1913–95) Canadian Novelist, Playwright, Essayist
Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.
—David Lloyd George (1863–1945) British Liberal Statesman
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