1979

Lesley Stahl Speaks at Commencement

Lesley Stahl, acclaimed television journalist and graduate of the class of 1963, speaks at Wheaton’s 144th commencement and is awarded an honorary degree. Since 1971, Stahl has been producing, reporting, and investigating stories with CBS News. In her address, Stahl details the harsh reality of chasing your aspirations, all while emphasizing that the chase is worth it. To conclude her speech, Stahl remarks that she still hasn’t done “the usual sendoff… the pithy message that’s supposed to launch you into the world beyond”. In opposition to the usual cliches about getting out there and working hard or making money, Stahl tells the class of 1979 to “get out there…and crawl”.

Access a transcript of her speech here.