Introduction to Barack Obama

Importance of Obama's Visit

• Important for the institution, state, and country
• Barack Obama: Man of intellect and common good
• His journey teaches about the power of a single life with purpose
• Understanding of the dream of America with no limits
• Advocates for change and the continuous struggle for progress

Obama's Qualities and Contributions

• Deep understanding of the US Constitution
• Community organizer in Chicago
• Strives for creating opportunities for all
• Highlighted the struggle in US education

Education Statistics

• 25% of children do not graduate from high school
• Only 15% from the lowest socio-economic group graduate from a university

Obama's Vision for Education

• Understanding the role of education in fulfilling the American ideal
• Education as a national civic duty
• Advocate for accessible and great college education

ASU's Commitment

• Barack Obama Scholars Program
• Pledge to make accessible education a priority

Obama's Speech

Introduction

• Thanks to President Crow and ASU community
• Excited about Barack Obama Scholars Program
• Education is a core mission of Obama’s presidency

Congratulations to Graduates

• Recognition to families and supporters
• Apology to Arizona for taking Janet Napolitano

Addressing a Controversy

• humorously addresses NCAA bracket mistake

Life Achievements and Ambition

• Important lesson: Always more to do, learn, and achieve
• Titles do not define life’s worth

Historical Context

• Remarks on global and national challenges: economy, wars, climate change
• Emphasis on personal challenges graduates may face

Addressing Materialism and Success

• Critique of society’s focus on material success
• Advocates for a purpose-driven life
• Examples of revered leaders and businesses

Problems with Traditional Success Mindset

1. Distracts from what’s important; leads to compromised values
2. Breeds complacency and laziness

Leaders and Success

• Real success comes from devotion to a bigger purpose
• Nation’s historical successes are from commitment to ideals, not just power or wealth

New Foundation for Prosperity

• Continuous adaptation in careers
• Fundamental change in national perspectives

Call to the Graduates

• Need for young people's energy, innovation, and commitment
• Importance of meaningful contributions over conventional success

Examples of Young Leadership in History

• Young patriots, pioneers, civil rights activists, etc.

Personal Contributions

• Importance of giving back and making individual differences

Lifelong Learning and Adaptation

• Success is about constant growth and contribution
• Notable historical examples of late blooming success

Ripple Effects of Good Deeds

• Positive impacts of sacrifice and decency

Encouragement to Graduates

• Acknowledge challenges ahead but encourage continuous effort for greater impact

Conclusion

• Urges graduates to never stop adding to their body of work
• Encourages them to find greatness within themselves
• Congratulates graduates and ends with well-wishes