Gov. Healey at Mount Holyoke: ‘This is a moment that clarifies our values'
'This is a moment that clarifies our values,' she said to the more than 600 graduates gathered on the lawn on the South Hadley campus. 'It may feel as though you are graduating in the worst timeline. But the crisis of this moment, the challenge of this moment, also offers a huge opportunity. … In a time like this, how you live makes a statement. Who you are makes a difference.'
Healey — a Harvard graduate who identified herself to Mount Holyoke graduates as 'a Radcliffe woman' — said the history of women's liberal arts colleges, beginning with Mount Holyoke, is 'a legacy of leadership, a legacy of courage' that informs her own values.
Without mentioning President Donald Trump or members of his Republican administration, the Democratic governor described 'starkly different visions of America (that) are in conflict: A democracy defined by pluralism versus a system of hierarchy and domination. Constitutional rights which are universal versus the privileges of power. An economy of innovation and opportunity versus greed and inequality. A social vision that is rooted in freedom versus fear and hate. And a vision of higher education as the foundation of our leadership in the world, not as a domestic enemy to be torn down.'
Addressing the graduates, she added: 'I know which vision I stand for. I know you do, too.'
Introducing Healey, college President Danielle R. Holley described the governor's vision as 'opportunity for all,' and said her status as a woman and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has 'galvanized' the students of Mount Holyoke.
In her remarks, Healey told the graduates that this moment is 'yours to confront.'
'Values and people we hold dear are being attacked and vilified,' she said. 'It's a frightening time in many communities.'
Healey noted that 2025's graduates enrolled in college during a moment of uncertainty, as the world was emerging from the COVID-19 state of emergency. She said they will rely on that aspect of their educational career, in addition to their formal course of study.
'You also learned something about resilience,' Healey said. 'It's a good thing, because you face another test now. You graduate in a time of political upheaval. In a time of great uncertainty about the future.'
Healey didn't dwell on the specific political debates of 2025, but advised graduates to stay true to their values and to live lives of care and compassion in everything they do.
'Life is about the little things, the daily engagements,' she said. 'In this world today, where so many are feeling dislocated, apart, experiencing some alienation, the more you can do to reach out and engage in the smallest of ways, with a smile, with a gesture, with a hello — trust me — it'll do amazing things.'
One of the graduates in the audience, Bee Mayberry of Texas, said after the ceremony that Healey's remarks pointed in the right direction. Mayberry — who majored in American politics and studied the beliefs and tactics of the far right — would have been open to a more forceful condemnation of Trump policies, but recognized that Healey tailored her remarks to the non-political nature of the event.
A graduate from one of the more than 50 countries represented in Mount Holyoke's class of 2025, Fei Yang Liu of China, said she felt Healey hit the right tone for a graduation speech.
In her remarks, Healey drew a connection between this political moment and the American Revolution that began 250 years ago, with volunteer militia standing up to British troops.
'Some ordinary folks in our state stepped forward to defend their right to self-government and due process,' Healey said. 'They started the revolution that gave us our country. … In times of choosing, Massachusetts has always understood the assignment. That will not change. Massachusetts will not be silent. We will not back down. As long as I am governor, we will stand up for our students, neighbors, workers, communities. We'll stand up for the rights guaranteed by the constitution. We'll stand up for a vision of America where freedom is not just for the few, but for all.'
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