Commencement 2005

The role of a commencement speaker is to inspire the graduating students and impart some of their wisdom on them to help them in their transition from academic life to professional endeavors. In 2005, Maya Angelou delivered the commencement address. A former civil rights activist and poet, she mused how one day someone in the crowd may solve the issues of bigotry, racism, and ‘all those other ignorances.”

Maya Angelou was a celebrated poet, memoirist, and activist who used her voice to challenge the boundaries of race and class. She is best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her recitation at Bill Clinton’s presidential inauguration in 1993. An acclaimed performer, she received Emmy, Tony, and Grammy recognition for her work in movies and theater. A key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Angelou also served as a coordinator for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Angelou was Lehigh’s 2005 commencement speaker.

Cornel West is a renowned philosopher who gave lectures at Lehigh in 2004 and in 2016. His book, “Race Matters” is given high credit for changing the dialogue surrounding race in America. In his lecture in 2004, West talked about moments in the civil rights movement and he encouraged students to use their success and power to help others.