“There’s no doubt that you are graduating into a divided world. During your years here, colleges and universities have had to find ways to allow for free expression and diversity of thought to co-exist, to allow for hard questions asked in thoughtful ways, and to make sure that democracy is not only studied, but strengthened. It’s hard work, and we don’t always get it exactly right.”
“During your time here, you’ve done the hard work to develop the skills you will need in your lives beyond these gates. You have found your voice. Very importantly, you have also listened actively, debated, found productive compromise, taken the time to connect with those who hold opinions different than yours. You have learned to reach across difference, a precious skill that is all too rare. You will carry these skills with you as one of your greatest assets.”
See more from the 2025 Franklin & Marshall College Commencement.
Franklin & Marshall College was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Barbara Altmann.
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