Today’s graduates need more than intellect to face society’s challenges: Burish

In contrast to commencement speeches that incorporate “college humour” and upbeat messages about following one’s passions, Thomas G Burish writes that many of this year’s prominent speakers at US universities took a more serious approach. Burish describes how these speakers expressed concerns about the political, economic, and racial divides that have come to dominate the political landscape. As he reflects on the themes of diversity, civility, and public trust that these speakers touched upon, the author notes that intellect alone cannot solve society’s current social woes. “No matter how academically rigorous its education or how high the starting salaries of its graduates, a college or university that fails to stress a student’s continued moral development does a disservice to the individual and society,” Burish states. Inside Higher Ed