Northeastern University’s commencement speakers offered advice and wisdom to graduates as they looked to the future. Their speeches focused on staying connected, embracing challenges, and understanding the power of human connection.
The speakers emphasized topics like courage, overcoming rejection, the importance of memory, and how we choose to show up in life. One speaker even quoted Pericles, the ancient Athenian leader, reminding the audience that what truly matters in life is not what’s written in stone, but what is “woven into the lives of others.”
Here are 10 impactful quotes from this year’s commencement ceremonies.
A Guiding Light for Life
“In this era of disruption, we all need a guiding light. Northeastern is more than a network. It is a steady constellation in the shifting skies. It will never fade with time or distance. It will always be here for you. You are Huskies for life and Northeastern will always be your home.”
— Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University
The Magic of Human Connection
“The most important foundation and final C is community. Curiosity, creativity, and contextual agility can help us accomplish great things. Community is why we accomplish them. … In a world so structured by data and design, human connection is a magical force.”
— Joseph E. Aoun, President of Northeastern University
Turning Rejections into Motivation
“I’m here to tell you the two greatest things people have said to me. ‘That won’t work,’ and ‘No.’”
— Elliot Grainge, Entrepreneur and Record Executive, Northeastern Graduate, Commencement Speaker
How You Show Up Matters
“In truth, there’s very little in life we control. But we can choose how we show up.”
— Elliot Grainge, Entrepreneur and Record Executive, Northeastern Graduate, Commencement Speaker
Memory as Our Shared Bond
“Memory is also the glue of our culture, the shared mortar of civilization. It’s what holds us all together. Memory is how we share values, establish common goals and rally collectively to defend ourselves from existential threats. It’s what we believe in, stand behind and are willing to fight for. No machine can tell us that.”
— David Roux, Technology Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Graduate Commencement Speaker
The Opportunity to Create
“The computer doesn’t really do ‘net new.’ It doesn’t empathize with authentic human emotion or come equipped with future vision. Your giant opportunity is to discover, create, and build.”
— David Roux, Technology Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Graduate Commencement Speaker
What You Do Defines You
“You won’t be remembered for who you are, but for what you do and how you do it. So make your life worth remembering by doing things that are worthwhile.”
— David Roux, Technology Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Graduate Commencement Speaker
Stay Connected for Lifelong Growth
“Just as your student experiences involved co-op, clubs, research, service and exploring the globe — your alumni communities will bring you together around shared experiences and interests — whether that be related to your geography, personal passions, professions, and yes — more learning — you will find many opportunities to stay connected to the university and to one another.”
— Diane MacGillivray, Senior Vice President for Advancement
Seek Virtue Even in Uncertainty
“Now, as we stand at the in-between — between what was and what’s next, between who we were and who we are becoming — let’s remember: To carry Lux, even when things feel uncertain. To seek Veritas, even when the truth is difficult. To choose Virtus, especially when it’s not the easy option. Because on the other side of fear is a life bigger, brighter and truer than we ever imagined.”
— Kaitlyn Annas Gonyer, Graduate Student Speaker, Master’s in Applied Psychology
Embrace Discomfort for Growth
“Northeastern showed me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when you chase the uncomfortable. Everything is a learning experience — when you have the courage to learn.”
— Daunte Pean, Undergraduate Speaker, Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering
These speakers left graduates with powerful lessons about perseverance, connection, and courage, encouraging them to take on life’s challenges with confidence and an open heart.
