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5 Graduation Speeches that Inspired the Class of 2015

Of the many who hit the graduation-speaking circuit, here are some of Nightly News’ favorites.
AP

It’s that time of the year again when college graduates across the country take a moment to soak up life lessons from an inspiring commencement speaker. Of the many who hit the graduation-speaking circuit, here are some of Nightly News’ favorites:

First Lady Michelle Obama, Tuskegee University, May 9, 2015

“Even if you’re nervous or unsure about what path to take in the years ahead, I want you to realize that you’ve got everything you need right now to succeed,” she said. “You’ve got it!”

SNL Alumna Maya Rudolph, Tulane University, May 16, 2015

"Don’t’ beat yourself up if you don’t know what you’re going to do tomorrow," said Rudolph. "But work hard and don’t be lazy and put away your damn iPhone once in a while."

Apple CEO Tim Cook, George Washington University, May 17, 2015

"Find your north star and that means choices,” said Cook. “Some are easy, some are hard and some will make you question everything."

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Liberty University, May 9, 2015

"The proudest people here won’t be collecting degrees," said Bush. "And maybe the parents of this class are thinking of another time, when your milestones in life, were, well, a little less ceremonious than today."

Actor Robert De Niro, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, May 22, 2015

"Graduates, you made it and you’re f—ed. The good news is that's not a bad place to start."