Drake University President David Maxwell, Commencement Speech

Drake University President David Maxwell, speaking at Drake's Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2010.

Each spring, President Maxwell sends an e-mail message to graduating seniors, asking them what they'd like him to talk about in his commencement remarks. The responses he received this spring had a common theme: With all of the challenges of starting a career, with all of the demands of professional lives, how do we find a balance?

Some students sent e-mail messages asking the president to elaborate on how Drake fulfills its mission to prepare students to lead meaningful personal lives. Others asked Maxwell how he finds balance in his own life.

The answers they received at commencement from Maxwell, a scholar in Russian Literature, focused on his passion for narratives, especially works of fiction, as well as his lifelong love of music.

Maxwell concluded his narrative about the ways in which one gives life meaning in a different mode, quoting some of his favorite "authors" who crafted their stories with notes, rather than words.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Drake University
• President David Maxwell
• Drake Graduation
• Commencement Speech

[Giorgigogaladze]

he's a good man and good musician too