University of Pennsylvania Commencement Speeches

John Legend tells Penn's Class of 2014 that true success comes from opening your heart to love rather than chasing money or status. He recounts his journey from his Ohio childhood, his family's collapse after his gran...

Bono opens with self-deprecating humor about being a rock star receiving an honorary law degree before challenging graduates to identify and pursue a 'big idea' worth their moral and intellectual investment. Drawing o...

Denzel Washington delivers a humorous, motivational commencement address centered on the value of taking risks and embracing failure. Drawing on his own acting career, academic struggles, and personal anecdotes, he ur...