This is the time for commencement addresses. It is supposedly one of the most difficult tasks of public speaking. The audience wants to have their degree in hand and begin the celebrations. School is finished – finally; and there are new things awaiting. What can a guest speaker contribute to students who have spent years having information presented to them?
Anna Quindlen is a gifted American writer. She is well known for her columns when she was with the New York Times. She now writes books and contributes to Newsweek, among other things. Ms Quindlen, in June of 2000, gave a commencement address to the graduating class at Villanova University. It is a classic, a masterful, brilliant piece of writing:
link: Villanova University Address: 2000
What Ms Quindlen said on that day resonates today, as it will tomorrow and the tomorrow after that. It is will worth re-reading occasionally, just as a self check.
Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
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