2012 Commencement Speeches

Tis the season for commencement addresses and kindness is often a theme.

Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell delivered the Northeastern University commencement address, mentioning the importance of love and kindness within a family. Stating "... the child will identify that with good, and that’s the route the child will take.”

In President Obama's address to the Joplin High School class of 2012, the president spoke of the value of community, “kindness, generosity and quiet service” and about paying it forward.

While columnist Connie Schultz's suggests to students at Oberlin College, "Become an activist for kindness." With one-on-one acts of common goodness that can instantly change two people’s days: yours, and the stranger standing right in front of you.

Though we may not have the answers to society’s ills, I know we are capable of profound kindness and that is what the world needs most. Congratulations to the class of 2012.