美国西北大学校长毕业典礼致辞

Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro’s 2020 Commencement Address

June 19, 2020

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Good morning, welcome to the 162nd commencement ceremonies of Northwestern University. I extend a warm welcome to all of you – students, parents, friends, distinguished guests. We are delighted to have you join us as you gather virtually from all over the world for this wonderful occasion. 

This commencement is unlike the 161 that came before it. The global pandemic has made it impossible for us to be together physically. And our ceremony comes amid one of the most turbulent periods in this nation’s history as we grapple with the fundamental truths regarding racism and anti-blackness.

Today is Juneteenth, a day honoring the moment on June 19, 1865 when freedom from slavery was finally announced to the last corner of this nation, 2 1/2 long years after the emancipation proclamation took effect. It is a reminder that the hard work of freedom and of justice is endless.

Graduates, your final weeks here were not a time of celebration, but rather a time of crisis. The world needs your leadership more than ever, and I have confidence that you will rise to the occasion. Congratulations to all of you. I salute you and I am proud to help recognize your extraordinary accomplishments. 

I want to specifically mention one category of graduates, those who represent the first in their families to earn a college degree. I hope you and your loved ones take special pride in what you have achieved. 

I also want to acknowledge our 50th reunion class, the Class of 1970. Like today’s graduates, you came of age during a time of upheaval. You showed deep concern for the world around you and worked hard to improve it. And you have also been one of the most loyal and engaged classes we have ever seen.

Commencement marks the conclusion of the university academic year. Two of our professional schools have already completed their graduation ceremonies: The Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. Their graduates are listed in the commencement program. We congratulate them on their achievements. 

And today, for the 10th time, we honor recipients of the Northwestern University Distinguished Secondary School Teacher Award. This year’s seniors were invited to nominate high school teachers who had transformative impacts on their lives prior to their enrollment at Northwestern. In selecting the awardees, a committee reviewed nomination essays, teaching portfolios, and letters of recommendation. The 2020 award winners are – Joe Brisowitz of Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Illinois; John DeRose of Whitefish Bay High School in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; Maria Hiassen of Delaney High School in Timonium, Maryland; Kristen Kirschner of the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Diana Niemann of South Mecklenburg high school in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are pleased to recognize these outstanding educators this morning. You can learn more about each of them on the commencement website after our ceremony concludes. I thank them for their contribution to this senior class, and for sharing their extraordinary talents with so many. 

And, of course, not a single graduate could have succeeded without the support and encouragement of family and friends, and so many others whom we hope are joining us today. 

Finally, I extend my profound gratitude to the commencement committee, facilities and operations, our Northwestern staff volunteers, and the crew members who set us up so well today for this virtual celebration of our 2020 graduates. And their work is not done. I want to remind you that this is part one of graduation for the class of 2020. Part two will take place next June with an in-person graduation event.