Former President Bill Clinton Class Day | Harvard Commencement 2007

Transcript

SAMANTHA FINK: Hi. I'm Samantha Fink. And I'm the proud representative of Dunster House. [APPLAUSE] STEFANIE BOTELHO: And I'm Stefanie Botelho, your class treasurer from Lowell House. [APPLAUSE] Harvard's hallowed halls have always been known for its traditions, like last call scorpion bowl races, primal scream, and simply being better than Yale. T... Read More

Summary

This video features a speech by President Bill Clinton at Harvard University. He talks about the importance of recognizing and embracing our common humanity, rather than focusing on our differences. He discusses various global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and disease, and emphasizes the power of individuals to make a difference through citizen service. He urges the graduating class to think about how they can contribute to making the world a better place.

Questions & Answers

Q: What traditions are associated with Harvard?

Harvard is known for its traditions such as last call, scorpion bull races, primal scream, and being perceived as better than Yale.

Q: Who have been some of the previous class day speakers at Harvard?

Previous class day speakers have included Arthur Miller, Mother Teresa, Conan O'Brien, Bono, Seth MacFarlane, and Bill Gates.

Q: What were some of the accomplishments of President Clinton's administration?

President Clinton's administration was marked by unprecedented economic growth, welfare reform, and a federal budget surplus. He also focused on providing tax relief for working families, increasing investment in education, and protecting the environment.

Q: What initiatives does the Clinton Foundation work on?

The Clinton Foundation addresses various global challenges including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, climate change, international development, and American obesity amongst children.

Q: What impact has the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative had?

The Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative has expanded access to antiretroviral drugs for over 500,000 people in 62 developing countries.

Q: What was President Clinton's educational background?

President Clinton attended Yale Law School, Georgetown University as an undergraduate, and was also a Rhodes Scholar.

Q: Why was President Clinton invited to speak at Harvard?

President Clinton was invited to speak at Harvard because he was the 42nd president of the United States, known for his leadership, and involved in philanthropic work through the Clinton Foundation.

Q: What did President Clinton think about being chosen as the commencement speaker?

President Clinton initially felt humbled and questioned why he was chosen instead of someone like Bill Gates or a comedian. However, he ultimately accepted the invitation and was excited to speak at Harvard.

Q: What challenges and opportunities did President Clinton highlight for college seniors?

President Clinton discussed the challenges of inequality, insecurity, and unsustainability in the world, but also emphasized the opportunities and possibilities that come with a college education and the potential to make a positive impact.

Q: What does President Clinton believe is the most important problem in the world?

President Clinton believes that the way people think about differences and each other is the most important problem, as it often leads to division, conflict, and the devaluing of our common humanity.

Takeaways

President Clinton's speech at Harvard University highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing our common humanity, focusing on what unites us rather than our differences. He discusses various global challenges and encourages graduates to use their education and privilege to contribute to making a positive impact in the world. He emphasizes the power of citizen service and the ability of ordinary people to effect change, calling on graduates to see and support the humanity in others. His speech serves as a reminder that while there are challenges to overcome, there is also great potential for a better future if we work together and value our shared humanity.