Friends, faculty, guests, and most importantly, the class of 2025, welcome to a day you will never forget!

At graduation ceremonies, it’s customary for the speaker to draw inspiration from the wisdom of renowned philosophers. I won’t stray from this tradition.

In the immortal words of Kendrick Lamar – quote – "Better days comin’ Fasho!"

Kendrick is absolutely right. 

For these graduates, and because of these graduates, better days are coming. 

With a degree from UC Davis, you are empowered to not only build the life of your dreams, but create a brighter tomorrow. So, don’t just think of your graduation robe as a piece of regalia. Think of it as your superhero cape.

We gather on Father's Day weekend, and I'm reminded how my dad would give me a dollar to buy comic books for every “A” I received on my report card.

I learned so much from him: about the importance of hard work, the value of commitment, and the power of family. Like the comic books teach us, without Uncle Ben and Aunt May, there would be no Spider-Man.

Without my mom and dad, there would be no Chancellor May.

So, be sure to thank those in your life who sacrificed so much to support you, believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself and always backed your dreams. Your families — and chosen families — are superheroes, too.

Gratitude wasn’t the only lesson I learned from comics.

The hero who most inspires me is Black Panther. Today, as the Class of 2025’s powers are realized, I'd like to share some wisdom from his journey.

Just as Black Panther used his powers to protect Wakanda, you can become superheroes by applying your knowledge and skills to serve your communities.

You can use your powers to: Innovate, Include, and Inspire.

There’s no doubt that Black Panther exemplified the potential of innovation.

In my own college years, I was inspired by the incredible technology of Wakanda, where they created a futuristic utopia that was as sustainable as it was undeniably cool.

Here at UC Davis, you've innovated. You've partnered with faculty and peers to imagine solutions. You've engaged in hands-on learning and experiential work that deepened your understanding of the world and empowered you to create.

But as Black Panther teaches us, inventing is not enough. To truly build a better tomorrow, we must share these remarkable ideas and technologies with communities near and far, ensuring that everyone has access.

A second powerful lesson from Black Panther is that we must always be inclusive. No matter their gender, tribe, or beliefs, everyone contributed to — and shared in — Wakanda’s prosperity.

Anyone could be a fierce warrior like Okoye or a brilliant scientist like Shuri.

At UC Davis, you experienced firsthand the power of diverse teams. You worked with students and faculty from across the world, from some of the world's largest cities and smallest towns, from every background and set of beliefs.

Ultimately, you discovered that ideas forged together are more potent than those shaped alone. When we work together, innovation can change the world.

A final lesson from Black Panther is the importance of inspiring others.

We must pay forward the gifts we’ve been given to build healthier, more sustainable communities and lift the next generation.

Many of you know this story firsthand. You're the first generation of graduates in your families.

You will not be the last. You are the heroes who will inspire others to reach this stage.

I'm reminded today of Chadwick Boseman, the man who brought Black Panther to life.

At an award ceremony, he thanked Denzel Washington for his mentorship and support, which enabled him to continue his studies. Boseman said – quote – "There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington."

And there is no next generation of scholars and leaders unless you pick up that mantle and serve as mentors and leaders in your communities.

As I offer this advice, I know you might be thinking – as superheroes often do – that the challenges we face are too big for you to handle.

After all, none of you has a cape. None of you was born with incredible powers. None of you has a Vibranium suit.

But the most fantastic part of this lesson is that you don't need them to be a superhero.

My mom proved that to me. She was younger than many of you here today when she was among the first Black students to integrate the University of Missouri.

Some made it clear that she wasn’t welcome, but nobody was going to stand in the way of her earning a college degree.

She went on to teach generations of students in St. Louis, helping them understand that even without capes, their greatest superpower was a willingness to help others and do good for their communities.

She was their hero.

She was my hero.

Just as the Black Panther had to leave Wakanda to realize his full potential, many of you will be leaving UC Davis today.

But I have so much faith that as you move into a world of challenges, you will create a world of opportunity. 

You will achieve more than success. You will share your prosperity.

You will become the heroes our world needs more than ever.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!