Protests Couldn’t Stop Graduation at New College of Florida
Preview:
It might be customary to have a prominent entrepreneur speak at the commencement of a renowned institution like Princeton or Harvard, but it was a notable honor to have Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, step on stage at New College of Florida. Some students, unfortunately disagreed, interrupting his speech with scattered boos and chants. Nonetheless, civil discourse and free speech will prevail at New College.
Mr. Ricketts embodied the ideal commencement speaker: a self-made man who defied the odds, revolutionized lives and amassed wealth through ingenuity. Yet amid his extraordinary success, his humility and empathy shone through as he addressed the graduating class. “I’d like to really talk to you about how special you are. Nobody in the world . . . has ever been born exactly like each one of you.”
Originally published: May 27, 2024
Author: Richard Corcoran
Position: President
Institution: New College of Florida
Published by: The Wall Street Journal