Acclaimed author David McCullough, author of Truman, John Adams and 1776 addressed the recent grads with a speech that made comparisons between recent grads and the Brooklyn Bridge.
It seemed like an odd way to start a speech, but with his understanding of history he was able to weave a compelling speech. Even more compelling for me, a native New Yorker who has walked the Brooklyn Bridge and who is moving back to his hometown after ten years.
In 1869, construction of the Brooklyn Bridge began. It would become the first, man-made wonder streams of immigrants would see upon their arrival to America--many of them bound for Utah. It was a difficult task that took 14 years, but the Brooklyn Bridge now stands as a constant witness of hard work and endurance.
"[The Brooklyn Bridge was] like the ancient cathedrals of Europe, in that, rising above all else within sight, it was intended, as said, to stand as a testament to the aspirations of the civilization that built it."
Something to think about in these difficult times:
"Had the American dream been handed to us all in tidy order, all done up with everything set to operate perfectly in perpetuity, we would hardly be the people we are."
McCullough talked about building legacies that will last, to leave the world a better place, to contribute to our nation and leave a positive mark on history.
"What will you build, you of the new generation upon whom so many high hopes are riding? How will history regard you in years to come, you who are part of this over-ripe, shadowed, uncertain time which has understandably given rise to so many grave forebodings about the future? Will you take what you have learned here as inspiration to still greater learning? Will you make your lives count?"
"History can be a great source of inspiration."
A brilliant student also gave an impressive and inspiring speech.
The convocation ceremony, was fun and local television personality Big Buddha graduated! He is now a University of Utah graduate.
Here's video:
I graduated!
