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Forbes
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Career Advice From 2025's Commencement Speakers.
At UMD's "Kermencement," Kermit the frog addressed teh class of 2025. (Photo by Allison Robbert/For The Washington Post via Getty Images) It's a tough time in higher education. A crackdown on student protestors, rollbacks in funding and increased deportations of international students have made both administrators and students wary and weary. Just this week, President Donald Trump escalated his battle against Harvard, with the Department of Homeland Security prohibiting the university from enrolling international students. (Harvard sued and a federal judge has already temporarily blocked the ban.) So maybe it's no surprise that this year's college commencement speakers have largely stuck to offering useful career and life advice to the Class of 2025. Sure, a few student speakers used their commencement addresses to voice their disapproval with their universities stances–or lack of action–on the war in Gaza. But unlike last year's celebrations, when many commencements were marked by controversial advice and student walkouts, honorary degree recipients and speakers have focused this year mainly on inspiring the next generation. The class of 2025 is graduating into a changing economy: A tightening job market is increasing competition for entry-level positions and the rise of artificial intelligence has hiring managers calling for an emphasis on candidates' humanity, all themes graduation speakers touched on. The speakers ranged from journalists to CEOs, award-winning actors to athletes and yes–in perhaps the surest sign of this year's flight from controversy–even a talking frog. Graduates at the University of Maryland heard from Kermit the Frog in their 'Kermencement,' with the leading-man Muppet encouraging them to 'leap together instead of leaping over someone else.' We've rounded up some of the best career advice, both for new graduates and those well into their careers, below: Super Bowl champion AJ Brown reminded graduates sucess is rented, not owned, during his commencement address at Ole Miss. (Photo by) Eagles wide receiver A.J, Brown has had quite the successful year—he won the Super Bowl, went viral after reading a book in the middle of a game and received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater. But despite all his achievements he cautioned Ole Miss graduates against basking in success for too long. 'Success isn't owned, it's rented,' he told the class of 2025. It needs to be consistently worked for by 'watching your own film' and learning from your mistakes. 'That self-awareness is a leadership skill,' he continued. Brown, who started his own youth literacy and mental health foundation, concluded by encouraging all graduates, not just the business majors, to think of themselves as their own operations. Whether as entrepreneurs or as rank-and-file corporate workers, 'your discipline is your product, your name is your brand, your habits are your investments.' The founder of free learning site Khan Academy was booked and busy this commencement season, speaking at both Carnegie Mellon University and John Hopkins University in two weeks. While that could have been incredibly stress-inducing for those not used to public speaking, Sal Khan has a different approach to stress, one he shared with Hopkins' graduating class: Curate your stress. 'It's a privilege to have the kind of problems that come with growth,' he said. 'If you can do something about it, do it. If not, let it go.' When the stress gets too much to handle, it's ok to take a break. Early in his career, in his second day as an investment banker, Khan was shocked when his boss told him to go home and not work. But his boss was ultimately right. 'Having space in my life for family and passions allowed me to bring more passion and creativity to my investment work ,' he said during his Carnegie Mellon speech. It was then that he had time to start tutoring his cousin—the start to Khan Academy. Founder and Shark Tank 'shark' Daniel Lubetzky told UC Berkeley graduates not to be afraid to use their youth. While it can be perceived as naivite—Lubetzky himself once was offended when a mentor praised him on it—youth is made up of grit, fearlessness, creativity, love and forgiveness, skills that Lubetzky said are key to career progress. 'Every one of us can train our mind to stay young and deploy the superpowers of youth,' he requires focusing on building upon ideas instead of false compromises. 'It's not just good for business but for healing overall divisions,' he said, touching on the current political divisions as students at times interrupted him chanting 'free Palestine.' Speaking at her alma mater, Banks encouraged graduates to worry less about competing for one opportunity and instead focus on creating opportunities for others. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Fierce competition can often feel like every worker is fighting for a diminishing piece of a singular pie—the one open role at a company, the one prize or scholarship. Elizabeth Banks cautions against that mindset. 'It's easy to think life is a zero-sum game,' the alumna told University of Pennsylvania graduates. 'Take yourself out of that mindset.' It rings true to those graduating into a competitive job market. So what to do when you don't get a slice of the pie? Create your own opportunities, by starting projects, building companies or teams, which will in turn create opportunities, or pies, for others. Not all will succeed at first, but failure after all, is a great motivator. Like other commencement speakers, Banks acknowledged the 'tough times' the class of 2025 is graduating into, and embodying her role as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games movie trilogy, she concluded by wishing graduates: 'May the odds be ever in your favor.' After years of schooling, graduating feels like a relief to those who have set plans. But for those who still don't know what they want to do and those who wish they had ambitious post-grad plans but don't, Jessica Livingston has one major piece of advice: You can reinvent yourself. 'You can go in any direction now,' she said, which is both exciting and terrifying. Her advice rings true not just to the newly-graduated but to mid-career folks too. Shifting gears–whether moving between job titles or industries–can seem intimidating, no matter your age. But it's how the author and cofounder of Y Combinator found her way from working customer service at Fidelity to the startup world. So how do you make the change? 'Find the people that you think are interesting and then ask what they're working on,' she said. All it takes is the right person to show you the work or industry that you're interested in. That's when she got ambitious. Al Roker had wise words of advice to graduates—and parents—during his commencement address at Siena College. (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images) In the age of side hustles, Al Roker, The Today Show's famous weatherman, told Siena College graduates to never forget their day job. It's not just about finding a stable job and salary—which Roker joked graduates should use to get their own phone plan and Netflix account—but about remembering how they got there and who helped them along the way. Not forgetting his journalistic roots, Roker also emphasized the importance of truth. 'Resist the temptation to chase viral overnight,' he said, adding that the wisest advice he got was that the truth matters because 'you can't chrome-plate cr–.' We've all been sold the promise of chasing success as you climb the corporate ladder. But Martina Cheung, who heads the financial information and analytics firm S&P Global, cautioned the graduates of George Mason University against it. 'Don't collect promotions, collect experiences,' she said. Those often come in lateral moves, changing industries or organizations or even taking-on extra work. The pay bump may not be immediate, but different roles are what can make you a better leader. Cheung credited her own experience moving from president of S&P's market intelligence arm to its credit rating agency, and then leading due diligence in two global acquisitions, for best preparing her for the top role at the firm. 'If something is interesting, go for it,' she added. And play the long game: 'Don't worry as much about the prestige. If it captures your attention, it's going to get you where you want to go faster.' At a packed Fenway park, Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group spoke to the Northeastern class of 2025. (Matthew J Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) The class of 2025 is entering a daunting job market. Fewer jobs in tech, cuts in federal grants and research funding and a flooded market from laid off workers is making competition for starter jobs harder. Add in employers asking for more years of experience for entry level jobs and it's easy to feel disencouraged as a young worker. But Elliot Grainge, CEO of Atlantic Music Group, an alumnus of Northeastern and commencement speaker for this year's undergraduate commencement ceremony, reminded early-career folks that there is power in what they have yet to experience. 'Inexperience is a superpower,' he said. Experience can make one too cautious and too fearful of failure to take a risk. Instead, he encouraged Northeastern graduates to take advantage of their ambition and young age. 'People are going to underestimate you,' he added. 'That's not your liability, it's your advantage.' Speaking at his alma mater's centennial commencement, Grant Hill asked Duke graduates to stay true to their integrity and close the gap between what is said and what is done. 'You will meet people, rely on institutions and listen to leaders who say all the right things. But when they are tested, they'll run, hide and fold,' he said. Don't be like them. 'Don't just list your values, live them.' It can seem daunting as we enter some of the toughest economic and political tests of our time, but Hill reassured those graduating, whether into a new job or into a new graduate degree, to keep their word. 'The world doesn't need more promises, it needs people who keep them,' he added.
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
Kermit the Frog shares words of wisdom for Class of 2025
Class of 2025, Kermit the Frog has some sage advice for you all! Everyone's favorite frog delivered a special "Ker-mencement" address at the University of Maryland in College Park on Thursday and shared some pearls of wisdom for graduating students. It was in some respects a full-circle moment, as the university is Muppets creator Jim Henson's alma mater. "I am honored to share some words of wisdom about three things that are close to my heart: finding your people, taking the leap and making connections," Kermit said in his speech. "As you prepare to take this big leap into real life, here's a little advice, if you're willing to listen to a frog," he continued. "Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together." The beloved Muppet also revisited his own past and hearkened back to Henson's time at the university. "Jim and his wife Jane were proud students right here at UMD when the food at the [Adele H. Stamp Student Union] was good," he joked. At the heart of his speech, Kermit emphasized friendship, harmony and celebrating everyone's special traits. "The show must go on, and if you're with your people, then you won't have to do it alone, because life is not a solo act," he said. "No, it's not. It's a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you're with your people." Kermit ended his memorable address with a "Rainbow Connection" sing-along, joined by the crowd of students.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
University of Maryland reschedules commencement ceremony due to weather forecast
COLLEGE PARK, Md. () — The University of Maryland has moved its main commencement ceremony from Wednesday to Thursday due to severe weather forecasts, according to university officials. that rain showers will return Tuesday night and become more widespread into Wednesday, becoming heavy at times across the area. As a result, university officials moved the ceremony to Thursday, its scheduled rain date. The university noted that the change does not affect the individual college's ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday. DC, Baltimore named 'happiest' cities in the world: See how the US fared 'We understand that this change may be disruptive for some, but please know that we have made this decision to prioritize safety and to provide the best possible experience for graduates and guests,' the university said in a statement. The will take place at SECU Stadium. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the student processional will begin at 6 p.m. Internationally recognized amphibian Kermit the Frog the commencement speech, paying tribute to the Muppets' creator and UMD class of 1960 alumnus Jim Henson. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
University of Maryland releases reform plan for Greek life after hazing investigation
The University of Maryland, College Park has released a comprehensive plan to transform fraternity and sorority life on campus following serious hazing allegations that led to the suspension of Greek activities last year. In March 2024, the university began investigating allegations of life-threatening hazing and alcohol abuse at fraternities and sororities on the College Park campus. The allegations included students being burned and assaulted, and several taken to hospitals for alcohol poisoning. UMD suspended all social activities involving alcohol and new member recruitment for 21 fraternities and 16 sororities during the investigation. What the new plan includes The 16-page "Fraternity and Sorority Life Transformation Initiative" report, published May 7, outlines nine broad recommendations developed by three working groups that formed after interviews with more than 175 students. "The goal of this transformation initiative is to promote a greater sense of belonging, success, and support for fraternity and sorority members at the University of Maryland," according to Devin Walker, director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, who is quoted in the report. The report says that policies should be "applied equitably, not uniformly," in order to recognize the different histories and operational styles of the university's 58 chapters across four councils. For historically Black fraternities and sororities in the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), recommendations include eliminating minimum chapter size requirements, hiring a full-time staff member dedicated to NPHC, and creating a physical monument or plaza on campus to honor NPHC history. For the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), the plan calls for updating policies that recognize smaller chapter sizes, increasing staff cultural competency, and improving access to campus spaces. How progress will be tracked The report establishes a two-level implementation process that will begin in June 2025. The Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff will hold weekly meetings focused solely on implementation, with council advisors leading conversations about their respective organizations. An Implementation Advisory Team with representatives from multiple university departments will provide oversight, with the DFSL director sharing monthly updates to ensure recommendations are being properly tracked on a dashboard. "Through collective effort and shared responsibility, we can build a future where all chapters and councils thrive, individually and together," the report says.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
University of Maryland takes ‘reimagined approach' to Greek life following hazing investigation
The University of Maryland, College Park is taking a 'reimagined approach' to Greek life following hazing allegations that led to a pause in new member activity, an investigation, legal action and, now, a new initiative. Unveiled in a report last week, the plan aims to increase transparency and education of Greek life members through new orientations, revisions and updates to current university policy, and collaboration between each of the university's governing counsels and UMD officials. Students were accused of beating others with paddles, burning them with cigarettes and forcing some to eat live fish and drink urine, according to court documents. During the two-week pause, the university engaged an independent firm to interview 175 student Greek life members as part of an investigation. Based on credible evidence of hazing, the report said five fraternities — 24% of Interfraternity Council chapters at University of Maryland — faced student conduct charges. Two lawsuits were filed by Greek life members over the university's investigation and hold on new-member activities. Both lawsuits were thrown out in March by U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman, who in her ruling said the issues raised by fraternities and sororities were moot because the university had lifted its cease-and-desist order suspending Greek life activities over a year ago. The new initiative is founded on the investigation's findings, as well as input from workgroups, the university's four Greek councils and student interviews. 'The working group reports call for a complete reimagination of fraternity and sorority life at the University of Maryland,' the report reads. 'Rather than simply proposing quick fixes, policy revisions, or education programs, these reports highlight several key issues that require intentional action from the university's professional staff, students and alums of each organization.' Nine calls to action are outlined, focusing mainly on communication, partnerships, student conduct and accountability. Recommendations center on student well-being, specifically the recruitment of new Greek members. The workgroups recommended analyzing current policy regarding new members and providing more educational content to students and families, such as by giving an orientation on code of conduct and expectations for members. The report also recommends a hazing-prevention education plan with consequences for noncompliance, as well as improved transparency for reporting organizational misconduct, a review and update of current university policy, and a university-wide, data-informed hazing prevention initiative. Next steps will include meetings with stakeholders to provide updates and seek perspective on implementation of the initiatives, the report says. ________
