2008 Woodie Awards
President Clinton empowers University of Michigan grads
Sat Paul Goyal
Issue date: 5/7/07 Section: Voices
- Page 1 of 1
Former President Bill Clinton, one of the most eloquent and elusive commencement speakers, recently delivered the spring commencement address at the University of Michigan among applause and cheers.
Clinton's address centered on the importance of citizenship, the Clinton Foundation and its work, and the role of young graduates in impacting the interdependent world that is changing everyday.
"It's not enough to vote and pay taxes," Clinton said. He tried to shake Americans out of their complacency and expected all citizens to get invoved in various aspects of what he called "citizenship." He told all of us, especially those graduating this spring, to reflect on global problems of climate change, pollution, intolerance, and poor access to health care and education.
He also stressed the need of developing integrated communities where the citizens share a genuine sense of belonging rather than focusing on their individual identities.
Good citizenship is necessary before one becomes a scientist, a writer, an engineer or an artist. A good heart, a fine mind, and a clear vision pave the way for success.
Clinton urged graduates to value cooperation and common humanity rather than their differences. He told them they can change the world by working more "as partners and fewer adversaries."
Clinton said that it was cheaper to fix the problems of TB, Malaria, AIDS, and poverty than going to war.
Clinton also congratulated Coleman as the first female president of the University of Michigan. He also fondly remembered the mystique of President Gerald Ford and former Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler.
The remarkably popular Clinton tops the list of celebrities, intellectuals, politicians, and business leaders speaking at commencements this spring.
Today, we are living in times of great change. Technology, businesses, domestic and global expectations-everything is changing at an unprecedented speed. Change brings risks as well as opportunities. To become global leaders, graduates need innovation and collaboration, in addition to individual talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Eminent speakers such as Clinton inspire them to accept the challenges and march ahead with hope, fortitude, and a soaring spirit.
The echo of Clinton's eloquent words will continue inspiring graduates and our communities for times to come.
Washtenaw Community College facilitates the University of Michigan's mission to educate and nurture students in the common pursuit of excellence and celebration of diversity.
Clinton's address centered on the importance of citizenship, the Clinton Foundation and its work, and the role of young graduates in impacting the interdependent world that is changing everyday.
"It's not enough to vote and pay taxes," Clinton said. He tried to shake Americans out of their complacency and expected all citizens to get invoved in various aspects of what he called "citizenship." He told all of us, especially those graduating this spring, to reflect on global problems of climate change, pollution, intolerance, and poor access to health care and education.
He also stressed the need of developing integrated communities where the citizens share a genuine sense of belonging rather than focusing on their individual identities.
Good citizenship is necessary before one becomes a scientist, a writer, an engineer or an artist. A good heart, a fine mind, and a clear vision pave the way for success.
Clinton urged graduates to value cooperation and common humanity rather than their differences. He told them they can change the world by working more "as partners and fewer adversaries."
Clinton said that it was cheaper to fix the problems of TB, Malaria, AIDS, and poverty than going to war.
Clinton also congratulated Coleman as the first female president of the University of Michigan. He also fondly remembered the mystique of President Gerald Ford and former Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler.
The remarkably popular Clinton tops the list of celebrities, intellectuals, politicians, and business leaders speaking at commencements this spring.
Today, we are living in times of great change. Technology, businesses, domestic and global expectations-everything is changing at an unprecedented speed. Change brings risks as well as opportunities. To become global leaders, graduates need innovation and collaboration, in addition to individual talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Eminent speakers such as Clinton inspire them to accept the challenges and march ahead with hope, fortitude, and a soaring spirit.
The echo of Clinton's eloquent words will continue inspiring graduates and our communities for times to come.
Washtenaw Community College facilitates the University of Michigan's mission to educate and nurture students in the common pursuit of excellence and celebration of diversity.
Be the first to comment on this story