Commencement Speech: Bill Nye

"Bill Nye Rutgers 2015 Commencement Speech" by Mikeisreallyneat

Via: Time

On Sunday, Bill Nye the Science Guy, delivered the Rutgers University Commencement speech to the graduating class of 2015. Nye's words came with a strong message: Climate change is a very real threat that we can no longer ignore.

In fact, according to Nye, the threat of climate change should be taken as seriously as previous generations took the threat of World War II. The world faces "the most serious environmental crisis in human history," Nye told the graduating students.

While his message was stern, he also offered optimism, saying he firmly believed the upcoming generation could tackle the problem if they address it in a focused way, whether through voting in politicians who take the issue seriously or by developing new technologies.

Commencement Speech: You're F*cked

"Robert De Niro gives amazing graduation speech to NYU grads" by Miting TV

Actor Robert De Niro provided a comical yet motivating commentary at the recent graduation ceremony for students of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

"When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump commonsense," De Niro says. "You weren’t just following dreams, you were reaching for your destiny. You’re a dancer, a singer, a choreographer, musician, a filmmaker, a writer, a photographer, a director, a producer, an actor, an artist. Yeah, you’re f**ked." 

De Niro’s startling and salty commencement speech was greeted with loud applause as the grinning actor gave the graduates a reality check.  The actor went on to elaborate on the less rosy career prospects his young audience had in store for them, as compared to peers who had opted for more stable and rational career choices, including medicine and accounting.  Wrapping up, De Niro said he intends to pass out his resume and head shots to newly graduated directors in the room.

Commencement Speech: Martin Scorsese at Tisch

"Martin Scorsese - Honored Speaker at Tisch Salute 2014" from Tisch School of the Arts

Martin Scorsese gave the commencement address to the 1,275 members of the 2014 graduating class of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts during a ceremony at Radio City Music Hall on May 23rd, 2014. Tisch School of the Arts recently put the whole Martin Scorsese commencement speech online for everyone to watch.

Commencement Speech: Bill Nye

"Bill Nye UMass Lowell 2014 Commencement Morning Speaker" by umasslowell

Bill Nye the Science Guy addressed the graduating class of University of Massachusetts-Lowell last Saturday.  Nye pleaded with the graduating class to change the world, referencing global issues such as the legitimacy of climate change. 

"Conspiracy theories are for lazy people, people who don't want to get down to the business at hand, so everybody please dismiss those ideas at once," he said. "We have to engage [those people], and bring them around, so we can get to work and dare I say it, change the world. We are at a tipping point and with just a little bit more engagement, and discussion, and a few more hilarious comedy bits, people will get to work on climate change. I want you to spark this movement, and give it direction, and I want you to change the world."

Commencement Speech: John Lasseter

"CalArts Graduation Lasseter 2014" by PhotoCalArtsEdu

Pixar and Disney chief creative officer John Lasseter recently received an honorary degree and delivered the commencement speech at his alma mater CalARTS.  His address was something like a cross between a revival meeting and a rock concert, complete with rowdy audience members chiming in.  Here’s his two-cents on what you need to not only prosper, but stay inspired.