Bill Clinton visits Rochester to give commencement speech at Golisano Business Institute

August 15, 2026 - 12:28

Former President Bill Clinton returned to the stage on Saturday, delivering the commencement address at the Golisano Business Institute in Rochester. The appearance drew a packed crowd of graduates, families, and faculty, all eager to hear from the 42nd president.

Clinton's message to the new graduates centered on resilience and adaptability. He told the class that "life's like any other game played" and encouraged them to stay flexible when plans fall apart. He spoke about the importance of learning from setbacks, noting that success rarely follows a straight line. The former president also touched on the value of collaboration, urging graduates to build strong networks and to treat people with respect, regardless of their background or political views.

The speech was not heavy on policy or partisan talking points. Instead, Clinton kept the tone personal and reflective, sharing a few anecdotes from his own career and time in the White House. He reminded the audience that the skills learned in business school, like critical thinking and ethical judgment, would serve them well in any path they choose.

The Golisano Business Institute, known for its focus on entrepreneurship and community engagement, selected Clinton as this year's speaker to highlight leadership and public service. Graduates received their diplomas after the address, with many saying Clinton's words gave them a fresh perspective on the uncertainty ahead. The event wrapped up without any protests or interruptions, and the crowd gave the former president a warm standing ovation as he left the stage.