Lin-Manuel Miranda delivers Hunter College commencement speech
Broadway Star Lin-Manuel Miranda Congratulates Hunter College Graduates in Commencement Speech
Hunter College graduates recently received an inspiring commencement speech from celebrated playwright and actor, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The “Hamilton” producer and Hunter College High School alumnus, applauded the graduates for persevering and seeking truth amidst the age of online misinformation. Miranda acknowledged the challenges of studying during a pandemic and expressed empathy for the difficulties of finding connection in lockdown. Despite the challenges, Miranda shared a hopeful message, encouraging graduates to pursue their passions and to learn from the examples set by those who have come before them. He also reminded graduates that while time may feel limited, they have plenty of it to reach their goals.
Miranda’s commencement speech comes on the heels of a highly publicized controversy involving a former Hunter College professor who held a machete to a Post reporter’s neck.
FAQs
Who is Lin-Manuel Miranda?
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a playwright, composer, and actor best known for his hit Broadway musicals “In the Heights” and “Hamilton.”
What is Hunter College?
Hunter College is a public university located in New York City. It is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields.
What did Lin-Manuel Miranda talk about in his commencement speech?
Miranda congratulated the Hunter College graduates for persevering amidst the pandemic and seeking truth in an era of online misinformation. He encouraged graduates to pursue their passions and learn from the examples set by those who have come before them. He also reminded graduates that they have plenty of time to achieve their goals.
What was the controversy involving a former Hunter College professor?
Recently, a former Hunter College professor was fired after holding a machete to a Post reporter’s neck. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for the professor’s termination. It is not related to the commencement speech delivered by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Hunter College commencement speech delivered by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“The times and challenges that greet you are greater than those faced by Jonathan [Larson] or myself or anyone in history.”
Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda delivered a powerful commencement speech to Hunter College graduates on Tuesday, praising them for their efforts to seek the truth in an era of online misinformation. Miranda, who is a Hunter College High School alumnus, acknowledged the challenges that the CUNY graduates endured during their studies, particularly in the midst of a global pandemic that has made it difficult to learn and connect with others.
Despite these challenges, Miranda urged the graduates to persevere and take inspiration from those who came before them, like composer Jonathan Larson and Stephen Sondheim. These artists, like Miranda himself, struggled with menial jobs and late-night hours to pursue their passions. Miranda encouraged the graduates to do the same, saying, “You do what you have to do. That allows for the most space for what you want to do.”
While Miranda’s speech was one of inspiration and hope, it comes just one week after one of Hunter College’s professors was fired for holding a machete to a New York Post reporter’s neck. Miranda did not explicitly address the incident but reflected on his own experience of growing up in New York City and how it influenced his life as an artist.
Miranda’s message to the graduates was clear: to keep pushing forward, pursue their passions, and keep choosing life and connection, despite the challenges they face. By doing so, they can make a difference in the world and leave their mark on history.