Our department chair, Kerry Haynie, welcomed everyone to our department commencement and highlighted the resilience of our graduating class. We could not be more proud.
Governor JB Pritzker, Class of 1987, received our Distinguished Alumni Award and offered valuable lessons for graduating students.
"Don't be afraid to take risks," Pritzker said, "and the corollary: take advantage of lucky breaks, especially when unusual opportunities come along to learn from someone whose leadership and values you admire."
"You will fail at least a few times on your way to success. Learn from it. Failure is a chance to make a choice about who you are."
"There's one last lesson I have for you, especially on this Mother's Day. Listen to your mother. My mother instinctually knew what many people in politics never learned; it's ok to be the lone voice for change."
Governor Pritzker spent the early afternoon meeting and sharing in some of the excitement of our graduating class. He is a member of the Duke Board of Trustees.
Governor Pritzker joins an exceptional group of alumni who, over the years, have helped us inspire our graduating students. Past recipients in this tradition include David Rubenstein, Judy Woodruff, Adam Silver, Pamela Hawley, Jay Bilas, Amy Gravitt, Dan Abrams, and Laura Kohler.
Political Science