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Pompous Circumstance

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Today, we've got this treat for you: Jay Parini, who's an English professor at Middlebury College is going to tell us what makes a model graduation speaker. He should know; he's been to quite a few. I want to use this opportunity to point out two of my favorites: the first is Tony Kushner's at Vassar (this literally changed my life), and the second was given in 1922 at St. Andrews by namesake, J.M. Barrie. Read both. It's easier to pay attention when you're not thinking about tripping in your robes.

Barrie Hardymon

1:38 PM ET | 05-29-2007 | permalink

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I have not been fortunate enough to see him in person, but I did have the opportunity to read a commencement speech given by Barack Obama a few years ago. It had been years since I'd read something so simultaneously eloquent and - dare I say it? - audaciously hopeful. That one speech is the primary reason I am considering him as a candidate today.

Sent by BLR | 2:49 PM ET | 05-29-2007

I graduated from college 25 years ago. I still recall the words of Former Maryland Congressman Parren Mitchell. He said, "Gentlemen, take care of your bodies." Mitchell died on Memorial Day. Never forget those words.

Sent by pres | 2:54 PM ET | 05-29-2007

I graduated from Maine Maritime Academy, which prepares its students to join the U.S. Merchant Marine. Our graduation speaker was Sen. John McCain. He gave a great speech about overcoming adversity and always doing what is right. It was only after our graduation that we found out that Sen. McCain does not support the Jones Act, the piece of legislation that created and protects the U.S. Merchant Marine. What was he doing speaking at my school?

Sent by Greg | 4:57 PM ET | 05-29-2007

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