Northeastern speakers talked about courage, chasing the uncomfortable, dealing with rejections, the importance of memory and choosing how you show up.
Northeastern University’s commencement speakers looked to the future, advised graduates to stay connected and offered insight into a “magical force.”
They talked about courage, chasing the uncomfortable, dealing with rejections, the importance of memory and choosing how you show up.
One speaker even quoted Pericles, the first citizen of Athens, about how what is important for human remembrance is not what is carved in stone but what is “woven into the lives of others.”
Here are 10 powerful quotes from the memorable ceremonies.
“In this era of disruption, we all need a guiding light. Northeastern is more than a network. It is a steady constellation in the shifting skies. It will never fade with time or distance. It will always be here for you. You are Huskies for life and Northeastern will always be your home.”
— Joseph E. Aoun, president of Northeastern University
“The most important foundation and final C is community. Curiosity, creativity and contextual agility can help us accomplish great things. Community is why we accomplish them. … In a world so structured by data and design, human connection is a magical force.”
“I’m here to tell you the two greatest things people have said to me. ‘That won’t work,’ and ‘No.’”
— Elliot Grainge, a successful entrepreneur, record executive, Northeastern graduate and undergraduate commencement speaker
“In truth, there’s very little in life we do control. But we can choose how we show up.”
“Memory is also the glue of our culture, the shared mortar of civilization. It’s what holds us all together. Memory is how we share values, establish common goals and rally collectively to defend ourselves from existential threats. It’s what we believe in, stand behind and are willing to fight for. No machine can tell us that.”
— David Roux, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and graduate commencement speaker
“The computer doesn’t really do ‘net new.’ It doesn’t empathize with authentic human emotion or come equipped with future vision. Your giant opportunity is to discover, create and build.”
“You won’t be remembered for who you are, but for what you do and how you do it. So make your life worth remembering by doing things that are worthwhile.”
“Just as your student experiences involved co-op, clubs, research, service and exploring the globe — your alumni communities will bring you together around shared experiences and interests — whether that be related to your geography, personal passions, professions, and yes — more learning — you will find many opportunities to stay connected to the university and to one another.”
— Diane MacGillivray, senior vice president for advancement
“Now, as we stand at the in-between — between what was and what’s next, between who we were and who we are becoming — let’s remember: To carry Lux, even when things feel uncertain. To seek Veritas, even when the truth is difficult. To choose Virtus, especially when it’s not the easy option. Because on the other side of fear is a life bigger, brighter and truer than we ever imagined.”
— Kaitlyn Annas Gonyer, graduate student speaker, master’s in applied psychology
“Northeastern showed me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you chase the uncomfortable. Everything is a learning experience — when you have the courage to learn.”
— Daunte Pean, undergraduate speaker and bachelor’s in mechanical engineering
Mark Conti is managing editor of Northeastern Global News. Follow him on X/Twitter @markconti11.