As a surprise to the 6,160 Syracuse University graduates who gathered with their family members and friends for Sunday morning’s Commencement ceremony, a special guest delivered some words of wisdom to the Class of 2023.
Projected onto the massive videoboard hanging from the ceiling of the JMA Wireless Dome, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. L’68 extended a heartfelt congratulations to this year’s graduates while reminding them of the duty that comes with being a Syracuse University alumnus.
As the country works to rebuild its economy, eradicate systemic racism, stop deadly gun violence and tackle a global climate crisis, President Biden admitted the task isn’t easy for these Orange graduates.
The circumstances are reminiscent of 1968, when President Biden earned his law degree from the College of Law. Back then, the country was grappling with the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and the civil rights, women’s rights and environmental protection movements.
Thanks to the world-class education they’ve received at Syracuse, President Biden expressed his confidence that the Class of 2023 will rise to the occasion and make its mark on the world.
“No class gets to choose the world it graduates into. But some, once in every few generations, have a chance to change the trajectory of the country and in turn the world. … You face an inflection point,” President Biden told the Commencement crowd after describing the special place Syracuse holds in his heart.
“You’re the most talented, tolerant, best-educated generation in American history. … You represent the best of us. Your generation will not be silenced or ignored. We need you. This is your moment.”
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