Princeton President Eisgruber Emphasizes Courage and Citizenship in Commencement Address
President Eisgruber's Commencement address: Learning, Citizenship, and the Courage to Be Unpopular
Princeton University
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In his commencement address to Princeton's Class of 2026, President Eisgruber highlighted the importance of courage, citizenship, and the pursuit of truth amid societal challenges. Drawing on historical figures like Robert F. Goheen and Toni Morrison, he urged graduates to prioritize integrity over popularity in their future endeavors.
- 01President Eisgruber referenced Robert F. Goheen's leadership during the 1960s, emphasizing his contributions to diversity and governance at Princeton.
- 02Eisgruber stressed that courage is essential for both dissenting opinions and admitting errors, crucial for personal growth and civic responsibility.
- 03The address invoked Toni Morrison's call for a commitment to virtues like integrity and honor, linking them to Princeton's founding principles.
- 04Eisgruber quoted Justice Louis Brandeis, highlighting the need for courageous discourse in a free society.
- 05He encouraged graduates to embrace the 'millrace of jostling and tumbling ideas' as part of their educational experience.
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In his commencement address on May 26, 2026, President Christopher L. Eisgruber of Princeton University addressed the challenges facing society today, including political divisions and technological changes. Drawing inspiration from Robert F. Goheen, who led Princeton during the tumultuous 1960s, Eisgruber emphasized the necessity of courage in academia and citizenship. He articulated that true courage involves standing up for uncomfortable truths rather than succumbing to the desire for popularity. Eisgruber also referenced Toni Morrison, who advocated for integrity and the importance of dissenting voices in her own address at Princeton's 250th anniversary. He reminded graduates that the essence of a university is to foster an environment where ideas can be freely exchanged, even when they provoke discomfort. Eisgruber concluded by expressing hope that the graduates would embody these principles as they navigate their futures, encouraging them to return to Princeton often, as it remains a home for their intellectual and personal growth.
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The address encourages graduates to engage actively in civic life and uphold the values of integrity and courage, which can influence future leaders and citizens.
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