Harrison Ford Inspires ASU Graduates to Lead and Change the World

On May 11, 2026, Arizona State University (ASU) celebrated an unprecedented graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone as over 14,000 students graduated, forming the largest cohort in the institution's history. The event was graced by the presence of renowned actor and conservationist Harrison Ford, who not only delivered the commencement address but also received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters from the university.

The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with maroon and gold confetti as Ford took to the stage at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. With a wealth of wisdom drawn from his life experiences, he inspired the graduates with powerful words of encouragement. "The potential of your entire generation — that is what gives me hope for the future," Ford emphasized, highlighting the significant role that the youth play in shaping the world.

Ford's address encapsulated a strong message about leadership and responsibility. He urged graduates to leverage their unique talents and ambitions for the greater good. "Whatever talent or ambition you possess, find a way to put it to work. Build something that didn't exist yesterday. Stand up for someone who can't stand up for themselves. Bring people together who weren't talking before. That's leadership. That's what moves the needle," he stated.

His dedication to conservation and global environmental issues was underscored by his long-standing relationship with Conservation International, having joined as a board member in 1991 and currently serving as its vice-chair. This commitment aligns with ASU's growing emphasis on environmental research and education. In light of this, the university established the Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures, set to welcome its first cohort this fall, echoing Ford's appeal for sustainable practices and impactful leadership.

ASU President Michael Crow, in his opening remarks, acknowledged the significance of this year's commencement coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, emphasizing the graduates' obligation to contribute positively to their nation. "You are going to make this country work. You are going to make this country better because you are just getting started," he remarked, reinforcing the sentiment of collective responsibility among the graduates.

This spring, ASU's graduation saw a 6% increase compared to the previous year's class, including a mix of 14,258 on-campus students and a significant rise in online students, indicating a trend towards flexible learning pathways. Also noteworthy was the diversity of the graduating cohort, containing over 10,000 Arizona residents and 2,000 military-affiliated students such as veterans and their dependents.

Accompanying Ford was businessman and philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett, who also received an honorary degree during the ceremony. He shared his insights with graduates, urging them to take ownership of their identities and aspirations. "You can't outsource who you want to be. You decide who you want to be. Don't let other people influence it," he advised.

As the graduates turn towards the future, many are poised to enter high-demand job markets in sectors such as education, healthcare, microelectronics, and defense. ASU's ranking as the second among public U.S. universities in terms of employability remains a testament to its commitment to preparing students for the workforce.

In reflecting on the day’s events, it is clear that ASU's graduating class is not just stepping into careers but is also emerging as a cohort of future leaders, ready to address the pressing challenges of the world around them. Their collective journey is just beginning, and with figures like Harrison Ford leading the charge in inspiring action, the potential for change is limitless. **In Ford's words: