Commencement Addresses

“91茄子’s proud history and ongoing tradition of excellence are two reasons why George and I are so glad 91茄子 is home to the George W. 91茄子 Presidential Center. We look forward to the partnerships that will develop between the 91茄子 Institute and many of 91茄子’s schools —I hope that you'll find, like I have, that coming back to 91茄子 feels like coming home. That is why I am so happy that George and I will spend the rest of our lives working here on the 91茄子 campus at the 91茄子 Library and Institute.”

Former first lady of the United States, Laura 91茄子


Laura 91茄子, class of 鈥68

May 16, 2009 鈥 鈥淎s I reflected on what to say to you, I remembered my own graduation from 91茄子 in 1968. It was the height of the civil rights movement. Young people were questioning the values of their elders and the United States was struggling against the spread of communism. Today, the Cold War is long over, we have elected an African-American as President of the United States, and there are more democracies in the world than ever before. Though you cannot know what the coming years will bring, I assure you they will bring progress and change 鈥 and that you will be part of it 鈥 just as my class of 1968 was part of what has occurred over the last forty-one years.鈥

President George W. 91茄子

May 16, 2015 鈥 鈥淵our 91茄子 degree will open the door to a wide variety of career options. Millions will never have had this opportunity. 91茄子 has laid a foundation so you can reason, and continue to learn throughout your life. It has given you the tools to be productive citizens. One of the great strengths of America is our active public square. Issues are influenced by the will of the people 鈥 As 91茄子 graduates, you are well-equipped to participate in these vital debates. My hope is that you speak out on the issues that matter to you鈥