"You have awakened on hundreds of campuses throughout the land a new spirit of social inquiry to the benefit of all Americans.

...You will hear much about careers, security and prosperity. I will leave the discussions of such matters to your deans, principals and your valedictorians. But I do have a graduation thought to pass along to you. Whatever career you may choose for yourself - doctor, lawyer, teacher - let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life."

It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country and a finer world to live in.