WATCH: Apple CEO Tim Cook at Gallaudet University Commencement - LIVE

Summary

In a heartfelt graduation speech, the speaker honors the Class of 2022, acknowledging their perseverance amid unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. They emphasize the importance of values in guiding life's decisions, reflecting on personal experiences at Apple and the commitment to creating accessible technology. The speaker encourages graduates to embrace kindness, contribute to society, and cherish the community they’ve built. Ultimately, they inspire the class to seek fulfillment and meaning in their lives while looking forward to the bright futures that await them.

Takeaways

• 🎓 the speaker expresses gratitude to the gallaudet community, including the president, board, faculty, and families for their support.
• 🏆 congratulations are extended to the honorary degree recipients for their contributions to the deaf community.
• 🌟 marley, recognized for her advocacy and talent, symbolizes the impact of perseverance and creativity in breaking barriers.
• 💪 the class of 2022 faced unique challenges during the pandemic, affecting their sense of community and education.
• ❓ the speaker highlights important life questions, encouraging graduates to reflect on their purpose and identity.
• 💡 leading with your values is emphasized as crucial for making decisions that align with one's beliefs.
• 🌍 the importance of accessibility in technology and the partnership between apple and gallaudet is acknowledged.
• 🌱 the speaker shares personal experiences that shaped their values, including a commitment to sustainability and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.
• 🤝 community support is vital, with an emphasis on sharing successes and setbacks with others.
• 🎉 the speaker expresses excitement for the future achievements of the class of 2022, encouraging them to seek happiness and fulfillment.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the commencement address?

The main theme of the commencement address is perseverance and leading with one's values as graduates navigate their future.

Who were the recipients of honorary degrees mentioned in the speech?

Dorothy, Carl, and Lauren were congratulated for their honorary degrees, with an acknowledgment of their advocacy for the deaf community.

How did the pandemic specifically impact the graduating class?

The pandemic caused significant disruption, forcing many students to leave a supportive community and navigate an uncertain world, impacting their educational journey.

What advice does the speaker offer regarding decision-making?

The speaker advises graduates to lead with their values, making decisions based on a deep understanding of who they are and what they believe.

What personal experience did the speaker share to illustrate their point about values?

The speaker shared their experience of coming out as gay, highlighting how their values motivated them to bring hope to others in similar situations.

What does the speaker say about the nature of the future?

The speaker acknowledges that the future is unpredictable and emphasizes that it's not about what will happen but about who the graduates will be when it does.

How does the speaker connect their values to their work at Apple?

The speaker connects their values to their work by emphasizing Apple's commitment to accessibility, privacy, and environmental sustainability, which align with their personal beliefs.

What qualities does the speaker hope graduates will embody as they move forward?

The speaker hopes graduates will be kind, compassionate, good stewards of the planet, and actively participate in making the world more equitable and just.

What does the speaker mean by 'community' in the context of the address?

The speaker highlights the importance of the community built at Gallaudet, suggesting that sharing successes and setbacks with others enhances life experiences.

What closing message does the speaker convey to the graduates?

The closing message expresses excitement for the graduates' future contributions and wishes them happiness, joy, and fulfillment in their lives.