Leadership Seminar 2026 Graduation Remarks
Winston S. Churchill Senior Fellow William R. Gruver
September 26, 2026
The Raison D’Etre of the Open Discourse Coalition is viewpoint diversity. This year’s seminar students were selected solely on merit with zero use of traditional diversity tools like quotas. Yet, in confirmation of the wisdom of the markets, we have with us a very diverse group of juniors and seniors. These 20 students come from 5 countries other than the USA. The American students hail from 10 separate states, plus the District of Columbia. The students come from all 3 colleges of the university. They include Greeks and independents, athletes and spectators, extroverts and introverts, scientists and artists. Among them are Blacks, Browns and Whites, Muslims, Jews and Christians. It’s likely that we couldn’t have assembled a more diverse group, even if that had been our goal, but it wasn’t. Our goal was simply to assemble in one small room the best and the brightest that Bucknell has to offer, and in that we have succeeded. While pursuing that meritocracy, the market brought us diversity.
Those of you who are familiar with ODC know that the annual survey of students at 260 American colleges and universities done each year by an independent third party – FIRE- is an important metric to us. Many of the findings are alarming; some are frightening! Among the latter are:
50% of students are uncomfortable being candid in the classroom.
25% self-censor to tell professors what the professor wants to hear.
70% feel that it is acceptable to shout down a speaker whose views differ from theirs
30% believe that violence is acceptable against someone whose views differ from theirs
Last year, in an effort to combat these alarming findings, we introduced something new to the leadership seminar. We gave up one of the slots that in previous years had been used to host a 4th guest leader to allow time for an open-agenda, closed-door meeting for the students to debate among themselves (with me as moderator) the Great Issues of the day. Our only two rules were: Abide by George Washington’s Rules of Civility and our version of the Vegas rule. What’s said in the classroom, stays in the classroom.
Last year was so successful that we continued that practice two weeks ago in our version of a mid-course break from our immersion in leadership studies. For years I’ve believed that peer learning is a powerful element in the university experience, and one that is underappreciated by most faculty. The three hours that I spent with these students two weeks ago deepened my belief in peer learning. The students chose all the subjects, and we covered the waterfront – AI, Iran, abortion, democracy, capital punishment, as well as the Lindsay Clancy trial (I never would have guessed that Court TV was that popular.)
That evening was the polar opposite of a faculty meeting. On none of these issues did we reach consensus, but that wasn’t our goal. On each issue, we did hear all sides of very complex issues. You would have been as proud as I am of the mature, respectful way in which the students conducted themselves. They pulled no punches; they listened and learned with no fear of retaliation. I don’t know if any minds were changed, but I do know that for each student the other belief from theirs now has a human, friendly face attached to it.
And with that friendly face will come more respect and tolerance for those with whom they disagree.
Each year my graduation gift to the leadership seminar students is recitation of a poem that I feel is appropriate for them. To this year’s graduates, I offer a 99-year-old classic – Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
And listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant;
They too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
They are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
You may become vain or bitter,
For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
It is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is:
Many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
For in the face of aridity and disenchantment,
It is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
You have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
In the noisy confusion of life,
Keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
It is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Thank you.
Congratulations Graduates.
May God bless America!