Words, Wit, and Wisdom from Dartmouth Commencement Speeches

Phil Lord and Chris Miller deliver the commencement address to the Dartmouth Class of 2023.

Russell Wilson delivers the commencement address to the Dartmouth Class of 2023

Jake Tapper ’91 delivers the commencement address to the Dartmouth Class of 2017.

Everyone's favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers ’50, delivers the commencement address to the Dartmouth Class of 2002.

Yo-Yo Ma delivers the commencement address to the Dartmouth Class of 2019

"I’m giving you permission to root for yourself. And while you’re at it, root for those around you, too. It took me a long time to realize that success isn’t a zero-sum game," Mindy Kaling ’01 told the Dartmouth Class of 2018.

"Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, but especially not yourself. Go conquer the world. Just remember this: Why not you? You made it this far."

Transcript.

"I learned many things here, but what I value most was the validation of an enthusiasm that often gives birth to passion, because passion is absolutely required to do anything with excellence—whether it is writing a book, making a movie, raising children, or maintaining friendships," Annette Gordon-Reed ’81 told Dartmouth's Class of 2021.

Transcript.

"The point is this: it is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, you're perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound reinvention," Conan O'Brien told Dartmouth's Class of 2011.

"Each of you has a task of bringing our world one step closer to peace. Each of you has a task of lowering the statistics of violence through the acts of peace and justice. Each of you has a task to resist—especially now, in this country—the politics of division, discrimination, and oppression.”

Transcript.

"We are not a society that nurtures commitment-making," "New York Times" columnist David Brooks told the Class of 2015. "But your fulfillment in life will not come from how well you explore your freedom and keep your options open. ... Your fulfillment in life will come by how well you end your freedom."

Transcript.