As seniors approach their final week of classes, there is likely only one thing on their minds — walking across the stage and receiving their degrees. Before they can do that, however, graduates and guests will hear from Gov. John Bel Edwards as he delivers the keynote speech at the University’s 292nd commencement ceremony.
The last time graduates heard from a Louisiana governor was in 2008, when former Gov. Bobby Jindal gave the commencement address soon after his election.
However, over the past 291 commencement ceremonies, the University has invited a variety of speakers to deliver keynote addresses and offer graduates inspiration and encouragement for their post-college years. Among those speakers are many former presidents, state department officials and celebrities.
In total, graduates in years past have heard from at least four former presidents: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Each former president took the opportunity to extend advice to students which they have personally used throughout their careers.
In 2004, the University had its first acting U.S. president deliver a commencement speech. George W. Bush came bearing his strong southern accent, sense of humor and well-briefed knowledge of the University as he made references to the successes of the women’s track team and the football team.
“After four years of sitting through lectures, I have a feeling you’re not in the mood for another one,” Bush said in his speech. Instead, he emphasized the importance of having a strong moral character and the value of service.
“As you weigh the values and priorities of your life, sometimes you’ll hear people say moral truth is relative … and when you hear talk like that take it seriously enough to be skeptical… It may seem generous and open-minded to say that everybody on every moral issue is equally right. But that attitude can also be an excuse for side stepping life’s most important questions,” Bush said.
Politics, controversy and protests can follow presidents as they visit campus.
In May of 1990, when it was announced that Reagan would deliver the spring commencement address, a University student organization called The Progressive Student Network intended to protest. The members planned on walking out of the commencement ceremony when Reagan began to deliver his speech.
Club member David Thompson argued Reagan was an “inappropriate speaker” because of his education and social services policies. Reagan cut higher education funding every year from 1980 to 1988, according to a 1990 article by The Daily Reveille. It is unclear if members followed through with the protest.
On some occasions, like in 1992, the first lady was invited to speak at the spring ceremony. Former First Lady Barbara Bush spoke to students about family values during her commencement address.
“I believe your true happiness in life will be determined by the fulfillment you receive from those who need you,” Bush said. “If you have a child, you must make a commitment to that child as if your job performance review depended on it.”
Many from the class of 2000 will remember University alumnus Shaquille O’Neal’s endearing speech, in which he told students what LSU really stood for after he received an honorary degree from the University.
“One last thing…” O’Neal said, “LSU now stands for Love Shaq University.”