Brandeis University to Honor Sheryl Sandberg and Isabel Wilkerson at 75th Commencement
Brandeis University has announced Sheryl Sandberg, entrepreneur and former Meta COO, and Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, as the keynote speakers for its 75th Commencement exercises on May 17th. Both distinguished leaders will likewise receive honorary degrees.
Sandberg to Address Undergraduate Graduates: A Legacy of Empowerment
Sheryl Sandberg will deliver the Undergraduate Commencement address. Her career, marked by leadership at Meta and a commitment to empowering women in the workplace, has resonated globally. Sandberg is the author of the bestselling book “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” and recently led the documentary “Screams Before Silence,” focusing on the October 7th attacks on Israel.
Sandberg’s work extends beyond the corporate world through the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, which supports initiatives like Lean In and Option B, aimed at building resilience and equality. She is also a venture capitalist, investing in early-stage technology companies.
Wilkerson to Inspire Graduate Students with Stories of Resilience
Isabel Wilkerson will address the Graduate Commencement. A master of narrative nonfiction, Wilkerson is celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the Great Migration and the concept of caste in America. Her books, “The Warmth of Other Suns” and “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents,” have garnered critical acclaim and sparked national conversations.
Wilkerson’s achievements include being the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in journalism and the first Black journalist to win for individual reporting. She has also held teaching positions at Princeton, Emory, and Boston Universities.
Brandeis Celebrates a Milestone with Inspiring Leaders
President Arthur Levine expressed the university’s excitement in honoring these six individuals, recognizing their significant contributions to society. The ceremonies will be held at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, with the undergraduate ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. And the graduate ceremony at 3 p.m.
The Growing Importance of Leadership in a Changing World
The selection of Sandberg and Wilkerson reflects a broader trend of universities seeking commencement speakers who embody leadership, resilience, and a commitment to social impact. These qualities are increasingly valued as graduates enter a complex and rapidly evolving world.
Did you know? Isabel Wilkerson’s work on caste has been compared to the work of Hannah Arendt on totalitarianism, highlighting its profound implications for understanding social structures.
The Power of Storytelling in Driving Social Change
Wilkerson’s success demonstrates the enduring power of storytelling to illuminate social issues and inspire change. Her meticulous research and compelling narratives have brought the experiences of marginalized communities to a wider audience.
Pro Tip: For students interested in journalism or narrative nonfiction, studying Wilkerson’s work is an excellent starting point. Pay attention to her use of detail, her commitment to accuracy, and her ability to connect with readers on an emotional level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the other honorary degree recipients? The university will award honorary degrees to four additional individuals, but their names were not specified in the provided information.
Where will the Commencement ceremonies be held? Both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies will be held at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center at Brandeis University.
When is the Brandeis Commencement? The 75th Commencement exercises will take place on Sunday, May 17th.
What is Sheryl Sandberg currently working on? Most recently, she led the 2024 documentary film “Screams Before Silence.”
We encourage you to explore more about Brandeis University’s Commencement exercises and the inspiring individuals being honored. Share your thoughts on these speakers in the comments below!
