Members of the faculty, distinguished guests, family members and friends of the graduates and of course you, the extraordinary 2022 graduating class of Princeton University, it is really my sincere pleasure and truly an honor to be your Class Day speaker.
And it is exciting for me to share this fun and celebratory day with you.
Didn't like the idea about you making fun of my age, Owen.
At least I'm here.
Seriously, I've had the privilege of delivering remarks at a number of graduation exercises over the years.
And more often than not, I have referred to my own graduation from college many many years ago, as you reminded me of, and drew certain analogies between myself and the students in order to illustrate that in the common landmark of college graduation, we likely had shared feelings and common experiences.
Clearly, in one respect, this does not readily apply to the Princeton Class of 2022.
And let me explain.
The profound ways COVID-19 has disrupted your student years are unprecedented.
Viewing the situation from my vantage point at the National Institutes of Health and as a member of the White House COVID Response Team, I have a sincere and heartfelt message to you.
