It’s not every year college graduates receive life lessons from a famous frog and the chairman of the Federal Reserve, but in 2025, commencement speeches by celebrities, athletes, and political leaders are as varied as those turning tassels this spring.
While college graduation season continues through mid-June, in the spirit of optimism for the future of the Class of 2025, we are highlighting some of the year’s standout quotes from speeches at Johns Hopkins University, Emerson College, Princeton University, and NYU.
Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Princeton University
“We all move at our own pace, and that’s ok. Fifty years later, I can tell you something I did not know then: The vast majority of what you need to know about work, about relationships, about yourself, about life, you have yet to learn. And that itself is a tremendous gift.
Over the remainder of your life, you must continue to educate yourself and to grow as a person, becoming more focused on what really matters, more widely knowledgeable, better read, more disciplined, and more strategic. But also wiser, kinder, more empathetic, more generous, more loving, more forgiving of others and of yourself. Each of us is a work in progress. The possibilities for self-improvement are limitless.”
Actress Jennifer Coolidge, Emerson College
“When you find the thing that you want to do, I really want to highly recommend, just friggin’ go for it. You really have to psych yourself up into believing absurd possibilities, and you have to believe that they are not absurd.”
Actress Molly Shannon, NYU
“Whatever road you choose to follow, you will hit bumps. These bumps will make you feel stuffed or like a failure, or make you regret choosing to go down that road in the first place–the key is how you react.”
Musician Andree3000, Berklee College of Music
“If you are an artist, your job is to stay true to what you feel and stay true to your instincts and stay true to what drives you.”
Actress Regina Hall, Fordham University
“What I don’t remember is my GPA, I don’t remember many of my tests or exams, what I do remember are the people who helped me type papers late at night, my professors, who took extra time with instructions and support, because college is not merely an academic institution. It’s a stepping stone to building independence and testing the limits of your moral compass. So we look to you to hold humanity to the highest standard, to remind us of our divine nature. You will exemplify the excellence that resides in us all.”
Former Major League Baseball shortstop for the New York Yankees and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Derek Jeter, University of Michigan
“You owe it to yourself to think long and hard about what you want to do with your life. To think about what you value most. It’s a choice. Your choice. There may be unwanted side effects with those dreams, too. Side effects like doubt, criticism, endless hours at work. But that’s the price you pay.”
Actor Lavar Burton, Howard University
“Remember that you are descended from some of the most resilient souls in the history of humanity. And whatever you do, do not allow fear to paralyze you into non-action.”
Today Show co-host Al Roker, Siena College
“Truth matters, and that’s never been more relevant than right now. We are in a moment when truth is under attack, when the loudest voice, too often, drowns out the most honest one, where misinformation spreads faster than facts, and that’s why your voices matter.”
Sal Khan, Educator, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy, Johns Hopkins University
“There’s no Forbes list of the 500 happiest people on Earth. If there were, I suspect most of them would be people we’ve never heard of, but they’ve had a few things in common. A strong community of friends and family, a sense of purpose, a way to express themselves creatively. They’d feel appreciated. They’d laugh often, they’d see the glass half full and not take themselves too seriously. Many would have basic financial security, but plenty would have far less material wealth than most of us. So, as you build yourself in the traditional sense, also invest in what gives you meaning.”
Philosopher and Musician, Kermit the Frog, University of Maryland
“Life is not a solo act; no, it’s not. It’s a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you are with your people. Life is better when we leap together.”