And that reason is right in front of me: this class of graduates. Still, I have a reason to remain confident in America’s capacity for problem-solving, community-building and civic renewal. Was I troubled to read that Americans are growing less patriotic and civic-minded? Yes, I was.Īm I alarmed to see our country deeply divided as core pillars of our democracy, including free speech and the rule of law, are under siege? How can I not be? Those were the unsettling findings of a recent Wall Street Journal/University of Chicago survey, which surprisingly received limited media attention and commentary. It's also not easy to stay upbeat when longstanding support for American democracy’s bedrock values of patriotism and community engagement are eroding - especially among young adults. And with climate change worsening, social division deepening, artificial intelligence creating uncertainty and economic volatility becoming a fact of life, there is plenty of disruption to go around. And let’s face it: it’s getting harder to remain hopeful about the future of our democracy and planet when adversity seems to be rapidly gaining ground. Here are five of the top inspirational quotes from Commencement: 1. Drexel University President John Fry:įor all of us, a commencement ceremony is a joyful affirmation of hope - even in the face of adversity and disruption. During the University-wide ceremony held at Citizens Bank Park on June 16, the people who addressed Dragons at the podium shared messages of encouragement, advice, lessons learned and hopes expressed. For Drexel University's Class of 2023, that meant hearing what leaders of Drexel University as well as one of Philadelphia's cultural institutions had to say. Graduation quotes are meant to be one last way for students to learn from their university before leaving as alumni of their alma mater. Photo credit: Kelly and Massa Photography. Drexel University President John Fry addressed graduates at the 2023 Commencement ceremony.
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