What other U.S. presidents have spoken at SU events?
When President Barack Obama speaks at the Toner Prize award celebration, he will be the first sitting president to speak at SU in more than 50 years. See what other former presidents have spoken at SU-related events:
Former President Bill Clinton gave the commencement address to the university in 2003. He urged graduates to vote and get involved in public service. He also said negative headlines skewed the facts and perpetuate fear. It was the 149th commencement at SU.
Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964
Alongside Samuel I. Newhouse, then-President Johnson dedicated Newhouse I. He also delivered his famous “Gulf of Tonkin” speech, which consequently accelerated the Vietnam War. He had delivered similar information on television the night before.
Johnson also has an honorary degree from SU, which he received the day of the speech.
When he was a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, former President Kennedy delivered the commencement address in 1957. He asked graduates to consider going into politics despite the field’s poor reputation, according to drafts of his speech.
John F. Kennedy walks in Archbold Stadium with members of the SU administration in 1957. Photo courtesy of the SU Archives.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1930
Former president Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the university and delivered the commencement address in 1930. He was the governor of New York state at the time.
He discussed the expanding role of governments and urged students to play an active role in setting future policies and boundaries for the government, according to the copy of his speech on file at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Published on February 12, 2016 at 2:02 pm
Contact Delaney: dovanwey@syr.edu
