In sports, we call for “fresh legs” when our health is on the decline, when our bodies are met with dis-ease, or when veteran players get sick or tired. I would submit that my generation, most of your parents’ cohort, is the veterans and frankly, we are winded. We’ve been in the game since the clock started. Now, don’t get it twisted. W still got it. Thank you for that. But we still need your enthusiasm, your emotional intelligence and your energy to impact the field of play in this game we call life.
So let’s wrap this thing up – you ready? I asked you: were you ready? Because it’s time to move on to the really exciting stuff...the conferring of degrees! Somebody say amen.
So let me leave you with this.
Duke is a very special place. To get in is no small feat, but to get out is a real accomplishment.
Every one of you graduates is to be commended for your hard work and effort to this point. From our youngest grad at 20 years old to our most seasoned grad at 72, somebody say amen, you are all awesome and we are truly proud to welcome you into the Duke Family!