2025 Commencement Address

Now I’d like to say a word to the graduates. Something brought you here. It may have been our beautiful campus, our academic programs or the chance to do research or study away. Or maybe, when you stepped on campus and met other students, you felt part of a community. You felt like you belonged here.

You’ve made a lot of memories in four years. Do you remember how you felt when J. P. Pegues hit the game-winning shot in the NCAA tournament? I do. Do you remember making your first “A,” or maybe your first “C”? Do you remember thinking, “this or that person has no clue”? It’s okay, I had those thoughts. Last week. I’m kidding. What about the satisfaction of participating in a service project that made a real difference? Or learning that a friend or loved one was ill, or in trouble, or had passed.

You have lived a lot of life these past four years. You’ve shared moments of hardship and of joy. It’s those shared moments, whether with a group overseas or in hushed, late-night conversations with a friend or two, that build community.

You found ways to connect and form deep, lasting friendships. You celebrated each other’s successes and comforted one another through disappointment and loss. A global pandemic disrupted the start of your college years. And yet you overcame. We overcame. As a community. The world is as challenging as it ever was, maybe more so. You will continue to face hardships. And you will continue to experience great joy. And you will persist. And thrive. With resilience, and with community. Hopefully Furman has prepared you, and not just for a job. Jobs and careers will change. I hope we have prepared you for life. For resilience. For joy.

Have fun this evening with your family and friends. This celebration is deeply and richly deserved. We send you forth with great pride and affection. May you continue to thrive, prosper, and grow. Finally, remember that Furman is your forever community. We will be here for you, and hope you come back.