2009 - All

"Success comes by applying what you know to make others’ lives better. The challenges the world presents to you are great, but so are you. This is the moment you have been waiting for, and as the world waits for people of talent and vision to bridge the yawning chasm between what appears to be inconceivable and what we hope to make inevitable, realize that you’re the one you’ve been waiting for. We are at a time in history when the world is looking for authentic leadership. We are also at that point when old paradigms of leadership are being reexamined, and women are key to that. You are powerful beyond measure. The world awaits your spark. This is your moment."

"This is a future that women in the history of the world have never been able to imagine. You leave here empowered in a way that women and girls have never been before. It's exciting, but it's daunting. But I know you're up to it. Serving the people of the world does not have to be your life's calling, but I urge you to make it a part of your life, to include it in whatever you decide to do as you start out on this adventure. You are certainly well-prepared, and I wish for each and every one of you an adventure that gives you the same sense of meaning and purpose that you are looking for, and an understanding of how much more you can do with the gifts you have been given, and to decide that you too will try to be those special envoys of the ideals that you believe in."

" The Freedom Writers believe everyone – EVERYONE – has a story. As I look out on the faces of graduates today, I realize that each and everyone of you has a story – a story about what brought you here, a story about what kept you here, and more importantly the legacy that your story will continue once you leave here. Freedom Writer Maria Reyes recently told a roomful of congressmen in Washington, DC, that she was going to be the first Latina Secretary of Education, and she snapped (her fingers). While she was snapping, she was giving a name, a face, and a story to everyone of you today. You have that story, you have that snap, you have that swagger, and you have the ability to go home and dare to dream. And while you dream, realize others are going to get their start from you and follow you. Your story is yet to be written. You can change that cast of characters; you can rewrite that ending. You too can become immortal. You too can make all us proud. You too can finish that story."

"America is now on the verge of change on a scale that has not been seen since the Civil War. Welcome change – to live side by side with differences. Learn what you truly care about and claim your power. Now go out and be the best."

“Our missions are only accomplished through perseverance in the face of uncertainty and determination to finish what is started. As you embark on your mission to accomplish your goals, keep an open mind. Be flexible. Be willing to take a new approach, if necessary. Many times there is more than one solution – just as in mathematical problems. Begin with an end in mind, and constantly push to your next goal. Keep your focus going forward, but don’t lose sight of the fact that the path leading to your goal can come from many directions. When you have the opportunity to learn something new, either through formal education, on-the-job training or other informal training, don´t be afraid to take advantage of it, even if it doesn´t fit into your current plan. Demonstrated ambition and being well-rounded give you the competitive edge in this environment."

"Despite all that we hear about literacy and as important as literacy is to a functioning democracy, what we truly expect from you as college graduates and lifelong learners is fluency – the art of choosing words that say as faithfully as possible what you mean. It is the lifeblood of a good life for each of you and for society. If measuring up to standards like this makes you different, so be it. You did not come here just to blend with the scenery, and you do not leave here to blend with the scenery to come."

"Educated women are part of a world community which extends beyond the boundaries of immediate self-interest and is responsible for extending humanity to everyone. History has shown that the case for peace, human dignity and justice must be made again and again from one generation to the next. All I ask is that after you’ve found your perfect job, find room in your heart and time in your life to contribute to a larger moral cause. The world will be a better place and your life will be enormously enriched.”

"Actually learning and using another’s language reminds Americans that we are not alone. It is as simple as that. We share the world and its problems. And we cannot solve them all on our own or entirely in English, no matter how many Indians speak or Chinese are learning to speak English. For languages convey much more than facts. Since they are the repositories of culture, knowing them enables us to gain perspective. It has never been more important for Americans to have that degree of understanding or access to different ways of thinking. And, who knows, maybe someone else’s way of reaching a conclusion or stating a fact will change what Americans think, as well as the world we share."

"In my medium of woodcut, it is not at all difficult to learn the technique: even school children can manage to do it easily. That applies to painting as well. But the most difficult part is to sustain the creative force in yourself continuously, year after year. Also, just as living beings need to breathe fresh air, we cannot repeat the same thing. Within the limits of the medium, we have to grow and find a newer and fresher language, both for our own time and to satisfy ourselves, which is not an easy task. In my case, very often I receive inspiration from the life around me: from seeing magnificent trees, powerful rivers, tranquil lakes, majestic mountains, the changing light on vast fields in the country, beautiful dancers and so on; or from hearing music or traveling abroad to visit interesting and unusual places."

"It is time for you to put on the mantle of world transformers. You have lived for four years among extraordinary women, the School Sisters of Notre Dame and the administrators of this outstanding college. You have been well trained by your professors. You have lived by the values of your honor code, values that will stay with you forever no matter where you go or what you do. You face a very different world than last year’s graduates. Enormous challenges lie before you as this economy weathers its worst crisis since the Great Depression. But take heart! Difficult and challenging times present great opportunity. Difficult times lead to the emergence of extraordinary people. Your character and your mettle are going to be tested. Welcome the obstacles. Embrace the trials. Relish the hurdles. You are up to the challenge! You have been tempered and tested at College of Notre Dame, and you will transform the world."