Victor Davis Hanson gave the commencement address at Hillsdale College on May 10. The July/August issue of Imprimis, not yet posted online, is where I found it. That issue publishes a text adapted from Victor’s speech.
Among the themes noted in the section headings supplied with the YouTube video are Hillsdale’s rising national profile, Hillsdale’s independence from federal influence, Hillsdale as a model for civic and moral education, observations on campus life at Hillsdale, Hillsdale’s academic curriculum, the culture of happiness and civility, the value of honor, upholding civilization through ethical conduct, the power and necessity of tradition, rejecting presentism and embracing historical gratitude, optimism as a civic and cultural force, a call to lead with virtue and confidence — all in the space of 16 minutes.
Imprimis also includes photos from the commencement ceremony in the current issue. One depicts 2025 graduates James Golden and Luke Kjellson being commissioned as Marine Corps officers. Another depicts the top five graduates of the 2025 class: Njomëza Pema, Fiona Mulley, Nicola Marshall, Abigail Wagner, and Lauren Smith — all women — flanked by Hillsdale College Chairman Pat Sajak and President Larry Arnn. I file this under our heading Hope for the Future.
I have posted video of the commencement address below. I think many readers will find it of interest.
