Stanford Commencement 2018 Full Ceremony

TL;DR

Stanford’s 127th commencement celebrated the Class of 2018 while urging graduates to use their knowledge, creativity, and perseverance for the greater good. The ceremony awarded 1,673 bachelor’s degrees, 2,433 master’s degrees, and exactly 1,000 doctoral degrees. Sterling K. Brown also encouraged graduates to embrace fear, let their light shine, and engage openly with different perspectives. Read on for the ceremony’s key messages and figures.

Transcript

[MUSIC] Stanford University [MUSIC] >> [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] >> Hi Mom. [MUSIC] >> [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] >> [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] >> [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [APPLAUSE] [MUSIC] [APPLAUSE]

[INAUDIBLE] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for the faculty procession and University President's party. [MUSIC] >> [APPLAUSE] [MUSI... Read More

Key Insights

• 😨 Embrace fear and discomfort as opportunities for growth.
• 🙂 Letting your light shine inspires others to do the same.
• ❓ Success should be celebrated and shared with others.
• 🥹 Engage in dialogue with those who hold different perspectives to foster empathy and understanding.

Questions & Answers

Q: What happened at Stanford’s 2018 commencement ceremony?

Stanford welcomed the Class of 2018 to its 127th commencement and recognized graduating seniors and graduate students. The ceremony celebrated their achievements, thanked the people who supported them, and called on graduates to use their knowledge and wisdom for the greater good.

Q: How many degrees did Stanford award at the 2018 commencement?

Stanford announced 1,673 bachelor’s degrees, 2,433 master’s degrees, and exactly 1,000 doctoral degrees. These figures were presented as evidence of Stanford’s impact on global society.

Q: What distinctions and additional credentials did Stanford’s 2018 undergraduates earn?

Among bachelor’s degree recipients, 305 graduated with departmental honors and 291 with university distinction. The ceremony also recognized 79 students completing more than one major, 29 earning dual bachelor’s degrees, 442 completing minors, and 187 receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Q: How were international students represented at Stanford’s 2018 commencement?

The undergraduate class included 121 students from 32 countries. Among the 1,143 international students receiving master’s and doctoral degrees, 81 countries were represented.

Q: What message did the opening reflection give Stanford graduates?

Graduates were invited to continue using their knowledge and wisdom for the greater good and to remain resolute in purpose. The reflection envisioned a world shaped by honest inquiry, courageous imagination, justice for all, and deep compassion.

Q: Why does Sterling K. Brown believe people should let their light shine?

Brown says that embracing one’s purpose and sharing unique talents can inspire other people to do the same. The result is a positive ripple effect in which individual confidence and contribution encourage others.

Q: What did Sterling K. Brown learn from his teacher in graduate school?

Brown learned the importance of being uncomfortable and facing the fear that accompanies stepping into the unknown. He presents moving past fear as part of growth and personal development.

Q: How does Sterling K. Brown advise graduates to handle success and disagreement?

Brown encourages graduates to celebrate other people’s success instead of tearing them down, emphasizing that success is not a limited resource. He also recommends dialogue with people who hold different perspectives so disagreement can foster empathy, understanding, and personal growth.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sterling K Brown shares personal anecdotes and quotes from philosophers to emphasize the importance of letting one's light shine and embracing their purpose in life.

• He encourages graduates to overcome their fears, embrace their unique talents, and make a positive impact on the world.

• Brown reminds graduates to celebrate the success of others and to engage in dialogue with those who hold different perspectives.