Penn Commencement: Elizabeth Banks Challenges Graduates to Tackle Tough Choices

University of Pennsylvania's 2025 Commencement: Elizabeth Banks Urges Graduates to Confront Conflicting Values and Societal Challenges Philadelphia, PA – Actress and director Elizabeth Banks delivered a compelling commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania on May 19, 2025, urging the graduating class to confront the complexities of conflicting values and actively engage with pressing societal issues. Banks, a Penn alumna herself, drew upon her own experiences to illustrate how navigating these choices shapes personal identity and values. "The profound lesson I learned from all this is that our values conflict sometimes, and it’s making choices in those moments that help you clarify who you are and what you value in this world," Banks stated, emphasizing the importance of these decisions in adulthood. She provided relatable examples, such as choosing between academic achievement and family commitments, or prioritizing creativity over financial security. Banks' speech extended beyond personal reflections to address larger societal concerns. She highlighted the stark realities of income inequality and the urgent need to combat climate change, asserting that the graduating class has a crucial role to play in addressing these challenges. "Your generation must root out and continue to solve the real problems in this world," she declared. Her address resonated with the graduating class, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The speech serves as a powerful message for young adults entering a complex world, urging them to embrace responsibility and actively contribute to positive change. The full speech is available on C-SPAN's website.