Tag Archives for Nora Hall

Weiss Words: A Retrospective Look at Commencement Speech Advice

Published in RINewsToday on May 11, 2026

With the arrival of spring and college graduation season, I am returning to a personal tradition. Once again, it is time for me to pen my annual commencement-style commentary saluting the more than 12,000 graduates receiving Bachelor’s degrees in 2026 from Rhode Island’s 12 accredited colleges and universities. Through this weekly commentary, I aim to provide these seniors with a unique roadmap for achieving both personal fulfillment and professional success.

Throughout May and June, these robed graduates will hopefully listen intently to commencement addresses—typically over 12 minutes in length (around 1,400 words). The speakers, who include lawmakers, judges, media personalities, and even CEOs, offer their personal observations and advice to guide the next generation.

Some of this year’s confirmed speakers include:

·         Ashley Judd (Actress and activist) at New England Institute of Technology, May 3;

·         Matthew Slater (Former New England Patriots captain) at Providence College, May 17;

·         Marc Randolph (Netflix co-founder) at the University of Rhode Island, May 15;

·         Ray Suarez (Journalist and author) at Salve Regina University, May 17;

·         Julie Mehretu (Artist) at Rhode Island School of Design, May 30;

·         Amy C. Edmondson (Harvard Business School professor) at Bryant University, May 16;

·         Dan Barry (Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist) at CCRI, May 12.

Brown University, unlike any other Ivy League institution or Rhode Island college, designates a graduating senior as its commencement speaker rather than inviting an outside dignitary.

Reflecting on the evolution of my addresses across the years helps, I provide you with a sampling, with advice that might just be valuable for this year’s graduates.

This year’s commencement speech offers a sampling of advice from previous graduating classes, drawing on reflections from earlier addresses. Though delivered in different moments, many of the themes remain relevant today, highlighting enduring lessons on growth, resilience, and purpose that may still benefit the 2026 graduates as they move forward.

Since 2008, I have written 12 commencement commentaries designed to prepare new graduates for the road ahead. I drew on AI, Stoicism, real-life experiences, and advice from Rhode Island authors to inspire seniors.

From 2014 to 2017, I shared insights from 53 everyday Rhode Islanders in my speeches, reminding graduates that valuable lessons often come from people in their own communities, not just high-profile speakers.

These individuals were everyday Rhode Islanders whose practical advice stemmed from lived experience. The core message: real-life experience is as valuable as prestige. Here is a sampling of their observations from my speeches:

Joan Retsinas, a Providence writer, offered her thoughts to the graduating seniors in 2014.  “Savor, savor, savor.  Savor the sunshine and the rain. Savor your friends, your family, your colleagues. Nurture the people close to you. Be a friend. Fall in love. If you fall out of love, fall in love again. Read “Winnie the Pooh” to a child. Eat ice cream. Ride a bike. Swim in the ocean. Laugh. As for fame, fortune, and success, don’t fret. They don’t really matter,” she says.

Wendy Jencks, Cumberland, Visitor Center Manager at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, gave this advice in my 2014 commencement speech: “There may be a time in young people’s lives when they are nervous to take a risk. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. If an opportunity or life experience arises and you want it, take it, even if it is unconventional. You may not get another opportunity again.”

Your first job is not necessarily your dream job,” says Jencks, 61. “You may discover your dream career outside your field of study. Don’t confine yourself to expectations.

Listen to their advice.

Carol Conley, assistant to the executive director of the Rhode Island Film Office, stressed, “Be grateful.” Be kind. Karma is a real thing. Give to others what you would like to receive, and it will eventually come back to you. Wait for it: trust the universe’s timing. Challenge yourself. Conquer your fears. Never, ever give up.

In my 2015 commencement speech, Kathy Needham, Rumford, Controller, of Blackstone Valley Call & Times, suggested: “Follow the old adage, ‘Autograph your work with excellence, it is a signature of who you are.”  Take great pride in all you do, but always remember to be humble.”

Cheryl Babiec, Pawtucket, Pawtucket School Teacher, gave her thoughts to the graduating seniors that year. “As an old saying goes…’One Man’s Junk is Another Man’s Treasure continues to hold true over the test of time. One of my year sale finds had the following inspirational verse (though the author is unknown): Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.’

Wayne Rosenberg, Providence real estate broker and construction manager, advised the graduating seniors in 2016: “Most college degrees are not going to be your ticket to financial freedom. The most important challenge you will face is finding meaningful work. You must realize that no one can do this for you but yourself. Take charge. If you cannot find employment, consider being your own boss and employ yourself.”

In 2017, Nora Hall, North Kingston, freelance writer, recommended: “Empathy may be the most important life skill you can develop. It enables you to ‘put yourself in another’s shoes’ and makes you a great leader.”

And Susan Sweet, Rumford, former associate director at the RI Dept. of Elderly Afrairs and social advocate, added: “Make your own trail and avoid the well-worn path. Find interests and passions and live them. Create purpose in your life. Do something good, something useful in your life. Contribute to the happiness and well-being of other beings. Let Death be your advisor.”

In 2018, members of the Association of Rhode Island Authors offered advice on aging gracefully in a very challenging, constantly changing world.

Victoria Corliss of Cumberland, author of three books, shared this with graduates: “Sometimes, when you think things are falling apart, they’re really just falling into place. So, in times of chaos—which will come—take a deep breath, step back, and be still; it helps you see things more clearly. Here’s another piece of advice: ‘It’s not what happens to you that matters most, but how you react to it.’ Taking things in stride is a lifelong skill.”

Throughout these speeches, seniors were urged to be adaptable in an ever-changing world. Flexibility and ongoing learning will help you weather recessions, job market shifts, or AI disruption.

Glede Browne Kabongo, author and marketing consultant living in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, gave her two cents: “If you live for the approval of others, you will die by their criticism. Take your time and figure out who you are and what you want in life. It’s OK if it takes you a while; the journey is as important as the destination. You will have many failures and make many mistakes. Don’t hide from them. It’s part of your journey. Be kind to yourself and others. Kindness is powerful and can change the world.”

Continuing this pattern, the 2022 commencement speech integrated the themes of resilience, social connection, and lifelong learning and emphasized their importance in successfully navigating your life’s path. It also reaffirmed the central idea that aging is not something to be feared, but embraced as an ongoing process of growth.

Looking ahead to 2024, my commencement speech offered advice to the graduating seniors, drawing on stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy that thrived in Ancient Greece and Rome. Five quoted philosophers encourage alignment with values to find a meaningful purpose in life, maintain inner peace, and appreciate the beauty and wonders of the world.

Seneca the Younger, who lived in the 1st Century CE, said: “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” Don’t be consumed by worry and anxiety about the future obstacles you may face, because in all probability the problems will never happen,” he said.

Great advice for graduating seniors from the Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright who lived almost 2,000 years ago.

The 2025 speech offered fresh advice: I drew on artificial intelligence and collective wisdom, referencing 64 cards with personal growth principles designed by Hypnotist John Koening. Eight cards, chosen at random, provided valuable lessons for the 2025 graduates, each of which is explored in this commentary.

Taken together, these reflections show that even as life changes, many of its core challenges and opportunities stay familiar. My hope is that something in these words speaks to you—and that you carry it with you as you move into whatever comes next.

___

A complete listing of Herb Weiss’s Commencement Speeches:

“Unlocking Life’s Lessons: A Commencement Message Drawn from the Cards,” May 19, 2025 — https://rinewstoday.com/unlocking-lifes-lessons-a-commencement-message-drawn-from-the-cards-herb-weiss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

“Stoic Tips for the Class of 2024,” May  27, 2024 —   https://herbweiss.blog/2024/05/27/stoic-tips-for-the-class-of-2024/

“Can AI Create an Authentic’ Commencement Address?,” May 15, 2023 https://rinewstoday.com/can-ai-create-an-authentic-commencement-address-herb-weiss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

“To the Class of 2022: Age Boldly, Enjoy Your Journey,” May 16, 2022 —  https://rinewstoday.com/to-the-class-of-2022-age-boldly-enjoy-your-journey-herb-weiss/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

“Some Tips to College Seniors,” June 2, 2019 — https://herbweiss.blog/2019/06/02/some-tips-to-college-seniors/

“Rhode Islanders Give Tips to Graduates,” May 14, 2017 —https://herbweiss.blog/2017/05/14/rhode-islanders-give-tips-to-graduates/

“Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to Class of 2016 for Future Success,” June 6, 2016 — https://herbweiss.blog/2016/06/06/regular-folks-give-sound-advice-to-class-of-2016-for-future-success/

“Sensible Advice from Seasoned Folk to the Class of 2015,” May 17, 2015 —https://www.golocalprov.com/news/weiss-sensible-advice-from-seasoned-folk-to-the-class-of-2015?utm_source=chatgpt.com2016-for-

“Regular Folks Give Advice to Graduates,” June 1, 2014 —https://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/Regular-Folks-Give-Advice-to-Graduates?utm_source=chatgpt.com

“Here’s My Advice to the Graduating Class of 2013,” May 31, 2013– https://herbweiss.blog/2013/05/31/heres-my-advice-to-the-graduating-class-of-2013/

“A Commencement Speech for the Graduates of 2012,” May 4, 2012 — https://herbweiss.blog/2012/05/04/a-commencement-speech-for-the-graduates-of-2012-5-2/

“Your Later Years: A Commencement Speech for Graduates of 2008,” June 13,  2008 —  Your Later Years: A Commencement Speech for the Graduates of 2008

A Couple’s Unofficial Guide to (Surviving) Retirement

Published in Woonsocket Call on December 18, 2016

Some people will tell you that nothing is for certain in life but death and taxes. But, Author Nora Hall adds another truism for us to think about. That is, retirement guarantees that couples are going to face new issues in their relationship. No ifs, ands or buts.

Hall, a 72-year North Kingston resident, recalls, “We were surprised that retirement was a bigger adjustment than we thought it would be.”

The freelance writer began researching the joys and frustrations of retirement when her husband Art, a former president of a manufacturing company, retired and they saw the need for major adjustments in their relationship.

Sharing Retirement Woes

As a new retiree, Hall admitted she was unsure of how to deal with these life stage changes and immediately began to seek out information on adjusting to a retirement marriage. Since she found no book or articles on the topic, Hall began to interview other retirees. As she learned from their personal experiences, she realized that there was a need for a book.

“I never thought that I would ever write this book,” says Hall. But she ultimately penned the 113-page paperback book, entitled, Survive Your Husband’s Retirement, published by Narragansett-based EBook Bakery.

“This book was just the natural extension of my freelance writing,” she notes, adding that it took over three years to write and publish the first edition of her book. The second edition only took one year to produce because she had already accumulated a lot of the research.

However, Hall admitted, “I was a lot fussier about the look and feel of this book.”

Hall notes that her skills in interviewing others and writing about their messages and concerns came from jobs throughout her professional career where she wrote copy for appeal letters sent to potential donors to the New England Colleges Fund and then the VNA in Massachusetts. She began her career as an elementary school teacher before moving to arts administration where she coordinated the Artist in Residence and the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Award Programs in Massachusetts.

In the process of talking with hundreds of retired woman, sometimes even their husbands, Hall gleaned from these interviews five areas (a husband’s tendency to be bossy, always there, dependent, angry or to never listen) that caused conflict in the retirement relationship along with solutions that these couples discovered that ultimately would maintain harmony in their marriage. She decided that she would share this information with other retired couples by writing a book.

Tips to Fix Your Relation

Hall’s first edition released in 2013 (along with a second edition, published last month, which provides more stories and couple coping tips) goes far beyond simple identification of issues. In addition, she provides reasons behind the common feelings many men experience when they first leave their life’s work and the potential conflicts many couples face.

In her books, she also offers the solutions older couples shared with her that provide examples for newly retired couples to implement as they struggle to find harmony in this new life stage. Most of all Hall strives to help couples see that they are not alone and that laughter is the best solution for all of us to have and details some quirks that need to be tolerated, ignored or altered.

Hall observes “A lot of people initially dread retirement but when they work at making it a positive experience it can really be a wonderful time in your life. The more we develop our companionship as a couple the difficulties we face are more manageable.”

So, what is the secret for older couples ultimately having a fulfilling relationship?

“Communication and Compromising,” can be key to fixing a retiree’s relationship difficulties, says Hall.

Spreading the Gospel

Hall is focused on getting the word out about her book by speaking at public libraries, churches, and women groups and Rotary Clubs throughout the Ocean State and even at the Ocean Life Long Institute, an adult learning program based at University of Rhode Island. The Rhode Island author is even planning a trip to Anchorage, Alaska, to spread the gospel that a couple’s retirement “can be an exciting new chapter in their life.”

Hall received her undergraduate degree from Dunbarton College, Washington, D.C. and a Masters in Education from Boston University. In addition to her Survive your Husband’s Retirement, Hall blogs regularly on her website, and offers workshops on adjusting to retirement. Her family consists of two grown children and their spouses, six grandchildren and one, now seasoned, retired husband. She and her husband Art moved to Wickford, R.I. in 2000.

Contact Nora to schedule workshops or raise a retirement question via email at nora@survieve yourhusbandsretirement.com. To purchase a copy of the second edition of Survive your Husband’s Retirement, go to Amazon.com.