Lauren Ridloff, Marlee Matlin, Tim Cook speak at Gallaudet’s 152nd Commencement
Alex: Today was Gallaudet University’s 152nd Commencement and the first in-person ceremony in two years. The stage was full of stars with actresses Lauren Ridloff, Marlee Matlin, and Apple CEO Tim Cook among those seated with the Gallaudet Board of Trustees.
I will show you several clips. You can watch the entire commencement and speeches at the links in the transcript.
During the Graduate Ceremony in the morning, Gallaudet President Roberta “Bobbi” Cordano looked at the audience and said it has been a long two years and she’s glad to celebrate the graduation with them in person.
Cordano: As I look at you, I am reflecting that it’s been two long years. I’m thrilled to be able to celebrate with you in person today with your family, friends, supporters, and our friends here.
Alex: Dr. Glenn Anderson, the Gallaudet Board of Trustees Chair, said it is “our tradition” to come together in person to graduate.
Anderson: Coming together in person is our tradition at the Gallaudet University commencement.
Alex: Dr. Naomi Caselli, a Coda assistant professor and researcher in ASL-related topics at Boston University, gave the keynote speech. She talked about the role of technology and AI in helping break down communication barriers for deaf people. She warned against developing technology that only benefits the privileged.
Caselli: If we feed computers only the data from those of us here, for example, with a high quality graduate education, then that’s all the computers learn about and no one else. If we aren’t careful, we can teach computers our racism, sexism, autism, and other biases. And it’s already happened.
Alex: The graduate speaker, Kristina Miranda, who is also a Coda, reflected on how the class has gone through a difficult journey with all that’s happened in the U.S. in the past two years.
Miranda: 2022, we are here finally! It hasn’t been easy. Covid-19 pandemic, the Stop Asian Hate movement, the police killing of George Floyd, the police shooting of Breonna Taylor — and the cops were acquitted…
Alex: The Undergraduate Ceremony took place in the afternoon. Ms. Lauren Ridloff received a Doctor of Human Letters and was the honorary degree speaker.
[Clip of Ridloff getting her honors]
Ridloff: After completing all of that hard work and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, that’s when I feel the impact of moving with intention. I have found my pace. I also know that because of the result of hard work, the power of representation, there are changes happening for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
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Alex: The undergraduate student speaker, Molly Feanny, thanked Tim Cook for accepting her invitation to come to the campus.
[Clip of Feanny thanking Mr. Tim Cook with the audience cheering]
Feanny: Not being able to fully socialize with my peers, and not feeling truly included in school or work discussions left me feeling disconnected and not truly accepted as an equal. But here at Gallaudet, I found a different environment. Everyone signs here. I can understand what is going on without asking for information and waiting for it. It is beautiful how communication happens here on campus.
Alex: Marlee Matlin gave the introduction for Tim Cook. She lauded Apple’s support of the film, “CODA” with open captions, interpreters provided throughout the awards season, and for always including deaf people’s input.
Matlin: Our community was consulted every step of the way to make sure we were included 2,000%. Ultimately, CODA won three Academy Awards. Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Picture!
Alex: Finally, Tim Cook took the stage and gave his speech alongside a deaf interpreter, Annette Tomasetti. He said his advice is to lead your lives with your values.
Cook: I have one important piece of advice I want to share, so important that it’s the only piece of advice I’m going to share today. And that is this. Whatever you do, lead with your values. By leading with your values, what I mean is that you should make decisions, big and small, each and every day based on a deep understanding of who you are and what you believe….
… And in my own life, it was values that called me to tell the world I am gay so I might bring a measure of hope to people still hiding who they are from the world.
Alex: Cook said being true to who you are is one of the most important choices you can make. Cordano gave one last message.
Cordano: To the Class of 2022, and to all of you here in this room, go forth and do good things. Thank you.
Alex: Very inspiring. That’s the recap of the Gallaudet commencement. Again, you can watch the speeches at the links in the transcript.
Undergraduate Ceremony Videos: