91�Թ���

Delivered May 8, 2025 at Folsom Field

The true purpose of higher education is to prepare students to think critically and constructively — but what does a graduate do once they’ve absorbed this lesson?

My hope for you, graduates, is that your next step will be to use your knowledge and your energy and your passion to act, in service to a sustainable, inclusive and just world.

In short, I hope you will follow the sage advice given by President Theodore Roosevelt over a century ago, when he quoted Squire Bill Widener:

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

In a world that often expects perfection before action, this saying will remind us of something vital: you don’t have to wait. You don't have to wait to think you’re smarter, or richer, or more influential. You don’t have to be an Olympian or a chancellor or a centenarian. You don't have to wait for the perfect time or the perfect opportunity, because you already have everything you need to begin. Right here. Right now. 

Throughout your time at 91�Թ���, you have gained knowledge, you have developed skills, you have built tremendous friendships, and you have discovered more about who you are and what you stand for.

And as you reflect on your Boulder years, I do hope you will be so proud of your accomplishments — and also realize that you had it within you the entire time to reach this day today.

And then, as you transition from reflection to anticipation, I hope you will also discover that the true value of your 91�Թ��� experiences is not measured only by the grades you earned or the titles you hold. It is measured by what you choose to do next — by the actions you take and the impact you will have. 

History shows us that change comes not from those who wait for perfect conditions, but from those who start where they are, with whatever they have. 

Yes, we should all always be learning more and building on our base of experiences and knowledge. Yet many of humanity’s greatest movements for justice, innovation and progress have been driven by people who did not have all the answers nor all the resources. 

They simply had the courage to act. 

Some chose to act in dramatic ways, with profound courage — standing in front of a tank, raising a fist or wearing a patch on an Olympic platform, making the world’s first telephone call, or traveling to the moon and coming back. 

Yet it is often the seemingly smaller acts that end up fundamentally changing humanity –- building a prototype in a garage and trying over and over, living through failure until finding success, or organizing communities to advocate for small, local policy changes, even if it takes decades.

As you know, you are entering a world that is full of serious challenges and amazingly incredible opportunities. Climate change, the emerging capabilities of artificial general intelligence — these are not topics for tomorrow. They are opportunities for you to respond, to innovate, and to change the world. 

And just as you had everything you needed to graduate when you first stepped foot at 91�Թ���, you also have everything you need to meet the global challenges of today. 

So do what you can. You don't have to create the next groundbreaking technology or write the next great American novel, though I’m sure some of you will. 

Today, there are more than 9,900 students graduating at 91�Թ���. And all of us on the stage want you to know that our generation trusts your generation to take the torch of progress and march forward. Start with small acts of compassion, innovation and leadership, and trust that they will ripple outward.

Start with what you have. In a matter of minutes, you will officially hold a degree from the 91�Թ���, a top national research university with global impact. Add that degree to your skills, your passions, your unique experiences, and your unique way of seeing the world — the things that make each of you, you.

And start where you are. Grow as you go. You do not need to be somewhere famous or grand to make an impact. You don’t have to walk the halls of Congress to have influence. You don’t have to be atop a 14er to speak truth to power. And in fact, at that altitude, no one would hear you.

Progress begins wherever you stand: in your workplace, your community, and your home.

And you are the generation that will prove that action — imperfect, humble, determined action — can amplify the vast strengths and beauties in today’s world, heal what needs healing, and build what needs building.

So as you move forward in the world, know that you go with support from everyone around you, on the stage today, in the audience today, and in the community around you. 

I would like to take a moment and recognize that we didn’t get here alone. Let’s recognize the families, friends, and loved ones in the audience today and watching online. Let’s hear it for your friends!

I also want to thank all of our faculty and staff, who have guided and mentored these graduates, shared their expertise, their wisdom and connections to help our students reach this moment. Thank you, faculty and staff, for all that you do.

Graduates, as you walk out of here today, take pride in all that you have achieved, and remember: your education doesn’t end with a diploma. Learning is continuous and also now must become doing.  Dream boldly, yes — but act decisively. Stand up for what matters. Serve where you see need. Create where there is a void.

As your chancellor, I could not be more proud of each of you graduating today. You have already shown that you are scholars and creators and leaders and problem-solvers. Now go be changemakers. 

And remember to be the ones who do what they can, with what they have, where they are.

Congratulations, Buffs! 

The world is ready, and so are you.

Introduction of Emma Coburn 

Now I have the great pleasure and honor of introducing your commencement speaker, an individual who certainly understands the importance of taking that first step.

Emma Coburn is a three-time track and field Olympian World Champion. She competed in her first Olympics in London in 2012 while she was still a student at CU.

She is a local girl gone great, who graduated from Crested Butte High School. She became a Buff, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, parents, uncles and two older siblings.

As a member of the CU Track and Field and Cross Country teams, she was a three-time national champion and earned her degree in marketing in 2013.

After graduation, she just kept running. She was a 10-time U.S. champion in her specialty event, the 3,000-meter steeplechase, and she was inducted into the CU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

Emma continues to compete as a professional track athlete. You’ll probably see her running around town this afternoon, as she lives and trains right here in Boulder. She is coached by her husband, Joe Bosshard, and they have one amazing daughter, Betty.

Please join me in a massive Buffs welcome for Emma Coburn!