Rev. David O’Connell
Rev. David O'Connell, a Niagara University alumnus, offers graduates a set of "rules to live by" for their lives after college. He encourages them to believe in themselves, respect others, put others first, live their faith, and make a difference, framing these within the university's Catholic and Vincentian identity. He emphasizes gratitude and grounds his advice in faith, scripture, and the example of St. Vincent de Paul.
Key moments
- 01 Recalling his own 1978 graduation and a lengthy commencement speech by Marshall McLuhan
- 02 Urging graduates to believe in themselves as loved by God
- 03 Calling for civility and respect rooted in human dignity
- 04 Encouraging graduates to put others first and live their faith without compromise
- 05 Defining commencement as a beginning and a call to make a difference
Transcript
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