2019 Stanford University Baccalaureate

TL;DR

Stanford University holds a Baccalaureate service to celebrate the graduating class of 2019, featuring speeches, readings, and prayers on faith, community, mentors, discipline, resilience, and trust in something bigger than oneself.

Transcript

[ Opening Music ] >> Stanford University. [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Cheering ] [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Music ] [ Applause ] >> Faatimah Solomon: Singing. >> Eva Louise Grant: Good morning everyone. Today we take a moment in the spirit of acknowledgement and reconciliation. To recognize that Stanford sits on the ancestral and... Read More

Key Insights

• 👯 Recognizing and acknowledging the indigenous peoples and the land on which Stanford University sits is an important aspect of the institution's values and commitment to diversity and community.
• 🖐️ Mentors and teachers play a critical role in guiding and supporting individuals on their journeys, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve success.
• 🥅 Discipline and resilience are necessary qualities for pursuing and achieving ambitious goals, as setbacks and challenges are inevitable.
• 😃 Faith and a sense of something bigger than oneself can provide strength, guidance, and a broader perspective in navigating life's challenges.
• ℹ️ Community is a vital support system and source of joy throughout one's education and beyond, and graduates are encouraged to remember and appreciate the relationships they have formed at Stanford.
• 👨‍🎓 Graduation is a time of transition and uncertainty, but it is also an opportunity to reflect on personal growth, celebrate achievements, and trust in the future.
• 👨‍🎓 The graduation ceremony serves as a reminder that all graduating students, regardless of their backgrounds, have experienced pain and hardships during their time at Stanford, but have also found strength and trust to overcome them.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role did mentors play in Ibtihaj Muhammad's journey to becoming an Olympic athlete?

Mentors provided guidance and support throughout Muhammad's career, helping her overcome challenges and develop the skills needed to succeed. They helped her learn from defeats and pushed her to improve, contributing to her success as an athlete.

Q: How did Ibtihaj Muhammad view her faith in relation to her athletic career?

Muhammad saw her faith as a source of strength and guidance. She prayed not for victories, but for the ability to represent her country and communities well. Her faith allowed her to find resilience and patience in the face of challenges, enabling her to achieve her dreams.

Q: What message did student speaker Eden Armis convey in his speech?

Armis discussed the importance of trust in something greater than oneself when dealing with pain and hardships. He shared personal anecdotes and encouraged the graduating class to celebrate the moments of strength and trust they have experienced during their time at Stanford.

Q: How did the 2019 Stanford graduation ceremony emphasize the role of community?

The ceremony highlighted the interconnectedness and support within the Stanford community. Speakers urged graduates to recognize the value of their families, friends, mentors, and faith communities. They encouraged graduates to carry this sense of community with them as they navigate the future.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Stanford University holds its 2019 Baccalaureate service, recognizing the institution's relationship with native peoples and the land.

• The ceremony features speeches from activist and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and student speaker Eden Armis, focusing on the importance of mentors, discipline, resilience, and faith.

• Attendees are encouraged to reflect on their journey at Stanford and the community that supported them, as they prepare to embark on new adventures.