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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

Regular Folks Give Sound Advice to Class of 2016 for Future Success

Published in Pawtucket Times on June 6, 2016

As previous years, high-profile commencement speakers are coming to Rhode Island’s Colleges and Universities selected to give to the robed 2016 graduates their unique practical tips as to how one can have a rewarding personal and professional career. As I mentioned last May in my weekly commentary, these widely-recognized speakers can quickly bring prestige to the educational institution but they oftentimes command big bucks for their brief appearance. . . .

Like last year this writer calls for choosing regular folks to give commencement speeches to graduating College seniors. Their practical tips, suggestions and “words of wisdom” are honed each and every day at work and through their personal intimate relationships with family and friends and by the challenges faced throughout their life’s journey.

The following advice from these Rhode Islanders can be especially helpful to those graduating to cope in a very complex and changing world.

Doug Allen, 53, Douglas, Massachusetts (formerly from Lincoln, Rhode Island.), owner of Lincoln Associates. “Look around at your fellow graduates. There is at least one person here that you never spoke to, nor socialized with, that will someday become extremely successful. And they, unfortunately, will remember how they were treated in high school. Don’t make this mistake again. Every person you come in contact with could be that person who changes your life. Make it a point to say a kind word to everyone. Otherwise, you will never know if the next Mark Zuckerberg sat beside you in math class your sophomore year.”

Richard Blockson, 61, Providence, former general manager of The Pawtucket Times and Woonsocket Call, who currently works in the financial service sector. “Striving to be a person of sound character is an admirable goal. It cannot be bought, given to you or taken away. It levels the playing field between privileged and underprivileged. It will help guide you through troubled waters and grant you a path of good decisions during your lifetime.”

Carol Conley, 60, Pawtucket, assistant to the executive director, Rhode Island Film Office, Rhode Island. “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.”

Michelle DePlante, 29, Cumberland, director of programs, Leadership Rhode Island, “Discover who you are and what strengths you bring to the table. Engage with people who seem the least like you and listen to them to understand, not simply to reply. Become comfortable with the uncomfortable – you’ll grow as a person, and life will never be boring. Get to know your neighbors and be accountable to your community.”

Diane Dufresne, 63, Pawtucket, director at Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, “Take the knowledge and experience of those who have mentored you and invested in you, those who have helped mold your life and use that to become the best version of yourself that you can be……use what you have gained and contribute to make society better……one day you will have the opportunity to mentor others and you will impact another person to do the same.”.

Paul C. Harden, 56, Newport, director of Transportation Technology at New England Institute of Technology, “As a college graduate take every opportunity to learn, consider new ideas and develop new skills. You do not have to go back to school and get another degree. Trying reading books, taking a free online course or finding a mentor who can give you sound counsel.”

Mike Lyons, 73, East Providence, corporate and community partnerships, Pawtucket Red Sox Baseball Club, “Henry David Thoreau is the author of one of my favorite quotes: To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of the arts.’ College Graduates in particular have both the opportunity and responsibility that their education has afforded them to make each day matter.”

John Resnick, 52, Cranston, entrepreneur, “I have learned that your parents may try to live their lives through you and your career choice. Never give up your own dreams to follow the dreams and plans your parents may have for you. The only thing that you owe your parents is the promise that you continually pursue happiness throughout the course of your life.”

Wayne Rosenberg, 60, Providence, real estate broker and construction manager, “Most college degrees are not going to be your ticket to financial freedom. Your 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 becoming your own boss and employ yourself.”

Joyce Silvestri, 62, Seekonk, Massachusetts, former banquet director at Twelve Acres, “As you are entering upon your post-graduation experience, it is important to remember that as much as you are all vying for possible jobs or post graduate education, the competition will be even greater than you have experienced so far. Reflecting on what you have heard and seen in this election year, you would be wise to entertain this workplace or educational competition without losing sight of civility. That would be your true success.”

Jim Tiernan, 55, Hamilton, owner of 80 Fountain Street, LLC, a Pawtucket mill that houses artists and creative sector companies. “It is important for graduating seniors to realize that not many people know what they want to be when they ‘grow up.’ Don’t fret about making that perfect choice or worry that you don’t have a passion for your chosen field of education. You won’t always make perfect choices, but with a little thought and feedback from your friends and those older your choice will lead you in a positive direction. Wherever you land, learn from those around you with more experience and become as fully engaged in life as you possibly can. You only go around once.”

Rico Vota, 34, Cranston, communications & constituent affairs officer, City of Pawtucket. “You never know when the last time you talked to someone, is going to be the last time you talk to someone. Make every interaction you have with people count for something.”

And this writer, concludes with his favorite quote from the Roman poet Horace’s Odes. “Carpe Diem , Quam Minimum Credula Postero.” Translation: “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow.”