Be kind to others, and to yourselves as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Honored Guests, Esteemed Faculty, Proud Parents and Families, and above all, Graduates of the Class of 2023,

Today is a day of joy, pride, and anticipation as we stand together on the cusp of the future. As we gather here to commemorate your academic journey, I would like to highlight a deeply significant principle that I believe will be pivotal in the chapters of life that lay ahead for each of you: the principle of becoming Manufacturers of Kindness.

Your journey through education has equipped you with a vast repository of knowledge, honed your skills, and unveiled numerous paths of opportunity. However, remember this fundamental truth: all wealth, knowledge, status, and accomplishments are hollow if not imbued with the virtue of kindness.

As Mister Rogers used to say, "There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."

Kindness has the power to heal, connect, inspire, and change. It is a virtue that humanizes us and transforms the environments we occupy. It is through acts of kindness that we can touch lives and create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion.

Now, as graduates, you have a unique potential to be these manufacturers of kindness, regardless of the paths you tread. Each one of you has the capacity to incorporate kindness into your work and personal lives, creating a profound and lasting impact on those around you.

For those of you who have chosen to serve in our military, your bravery and sacrifice embodies a profound form of kindness. As you protect our freedoms and our way of life, remember the importance of kindness in your interactions with your comrades, superiors, and the civilians you encounter. Your actions can serve as a beacon of humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Those venturing into public service, whether at the community, state, or national level, have a unique platform to exhibit kindness. Through compassionate policymaking, ethical leadership, and a commitment to serving all citizens equally, you can foster an atmosphere of respect, fairness, and understanding.

For those entering the realm of business and industry, remember that kindness is a currency that never depreciates. As you navigate the complex world of commerce and innovation, let your interactions be guided by fairness, integrity, and respect. Be it with your team, your competitors, or your customers, let kindness define your business ethos.

Those of you choosing the path of non-profit work are embarking on a journey inherently steeped in kindness. Your dedication to improving lives, communities, and the world is commendable. Infuse your work with genuine empathy, respect, and care, for these are the foundations upon which real change is built.

Scientists, doctors, and engineers among you, your work has the power to transform lives. Yet, the kindness you exhibit in your interactions with your peers, your patients, and your communities, can create a legacy that far surpasses any individual achievement.

Artists and writers, your works can inspire, evoke, and challenge. Your kindness towards fellow artists, your audience, and society will be the most genuine reflection of your soul in your art.

Educators, your kindness can create safe, nurturing spaces for the students of tomorrow. The knowledge you impart will shape minds, but the kindness you demonstrate will shape hearts.

Each one of you, irrespective of the path you choose, can integrate kindness into your life. It's not about grand gestures but rather about those small, everyday acts of kindness that resonate and make a difference. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand - these are the actions that weave the fabric of a compassionate society.

As you step forth into the world, remember to carry this principle with you. Excel in your chosen fields, aspire for greatness, but above all else, be manufacturers of kindness. Be the beacon that shines a light of compassion and understanding in a world that often seems shrouded in shadows.

Remember, acts of kindness are not a detour from your paths to success, but rather they are the very road itself. The kindness you weave into your work can be the very thing that distinguishes you from others, that propels you forward, and that makes a real, tangible difference in the world.

In the pursuit of such kindness, do not forget to extend this virtue to yourselves. Yes, dear graduates, self-kindness is as important as the kindness you offer others. It is the cornerstone of self-respect and the sanctuary where your resilience grows. Acknowledge your efforts, be patient with your progress, and embrace your imperfections. The kindness you give to yourself sets the standard for the kindness you extend to others and the kindness you accept from the world.

To all the parents, faculty, and staff who have supported these students through their educational journey, I encourage you to continue to be role models of kindness, showing our new graduates the importance of compassion and understanding in all aspects of life.

And to the Graduating Class of 2023, congratulations once more. May you venture forth, armed with knowledge, equipped with skills, inspired by dreams, and guided by kindness. Carry this principle with you in all you do, as you set forth to make your mark in the world. And remember, in each of you lies the power to manufacture kindness.

So, go out there, make a difference, and be the beacon of kindness the world needs. You have worked hard, you have earned your success and now use that success to spread kindness. After all, it is through acts of kindness that we truly make a lasting impact.

For kindness is the language of the soul, echoing across the universe; it is the bridge that connects hearts, the currency of humanity, enriching the giver as much as the receiver. And do not forget, part of that receiver can and should be you. Extend kindness to yourselves, embrace the warmth it brings, and grow in its nurturing embrace.

Thank you. Congratulations, and be kind — to others, and to yourselves as well.