[New York Diary] The Final Commencement Speech of the Ivy League’s Longest-Serving President

Graduation Season in New York
A City Celebrates with Colorful Gowns and Iconic Lights

The United States is currently in graduation season. Last week in Manhattan, New York, a spectacular scene unfolded as graduation ceremonies from various universities took place simultaneously, filling the streets with students wearing a variety of colorful graduation gowns. On the Upper West Side, light blue gowns adorned the streets; in Midtown, purple gowns; and near Union Square, red gowns decorated the area. These were graduates from Columbia University, New York University (NYU), and The New School, famous for Parsons School of Design, respectively.

Americans, who love 'small talk,' naturally offer congratulations to unfamiliar graduates they meet on the street. It’s not just them; the entire city of New York joins in the celebration. The Empire State Building, a symbol of New York, was lit up in purple on the night of the 16th. This was to celebrate NYU’s graduation ceremony held at Yankee Stadium the following day.

Then, on the night of the 17th, the Empire State Building’s lights changed to blue. Not only the Empire State Building but also nearby skyscrapers like One Vanderbilt were illuminated in blue, symbolizing Columbia University, decorating the Manhattan skyline that evening. Because of this, graduates often celebrate their graduation by taking photos with family and friends at spots where the Empire State Building is clearly visible on the night of their ceremony.

[Image courtesy of Empire State Building]

One of the famous aspects of American graduation ceremonies is the commencement speech. Each school competes fiercely every year to invite a famous figure. The 2005 Stanford University commencement speech by Apple founder the late Steve Jobs and the 2008 Harvard University commencement speech by J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, remain iconic speeches still talked about today.

This year, Columbia University’s President Lee C. Bollinger delivered his final speech. President Bollinger is the longest-serving president among the Ivy League schools in the Eastern U.S. and is set to retire on July 1. Approaching 80 years old, he offered ten pieces of advice on ‘how we can build an open mind within ourselves that is authentic, enduring, and ultimately a force for positive change.’ I would like to briefly share his final speech for the young people standing at the starting line of a new life.

First, know your own bad whims. Second, human knowledge is vast and astonishing. But our ignorance is much greater. We must feel this. Third, see the complexity of things rather than just the answers. Fourth, make openness a habit. Such openness is also possible through continuous effort. Repeat it to make it part of yourself. Fifth, ask more questions than you provide answers to. Everyone has something to teach us. Maintain a question-to-answer ratio of at least 80%.

Sixth, imagine that you yourself are someone who disagrees with you. And think about two opposing arguments simultaneously in your mind. Of course, this is very difficult. Seventh, life’s problems may ultimately differ, but their complexity can be similar. See complexity in everyday life. Eighth, an open attitude helps not only with truth and understanding but also in building relationships. Empathy is important in all relationships. Ninth, take notes. Ask yourself what you have learned, why you didn’t understand something, and how well you have upheld your principles. Tenth, know that everything becomes much easier as you get older. Age will help you.