WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) delivered the commencement address for LSU’s graduating class of 2018 on Friday. He explained the lasting effect his education at LSU has had on him and challenged the graduates to pursue a career they love that will allow them to make a positive impact on the world and their communities.
Whip Scalise processes into the ceremony. Photo Credit: Bill Feig, The Advocate.
Whip Scalise shakes hands with an LSU professor. Photo Credit: Bill Feig, The Advocate.
Whip Scalise addresses the Class of 2018. Photo Credit: Bill Feig, The Advocate.
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LSU Commencement Address In the News:
“U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise told Louisiana State University graduates that the secret of politics is staying civil and looking for areas where opponents can work together.
“He started his speech Friday by playing “Eye of the Tiger” on his phone and pointing out where he sat 30 years ago to get his computer science degree. The university will confer about 4,000 diplomas over two days during its 295th commencement.
“Scalise still walks with a cane after being shot while practicing for a charity baseball game. He talked about the shooting, and noted that the first congressman to visit him in the hospital was U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, a New Orleans Democrat and head of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“Despite political differences, says Scalise, they’re close friends.”
Steve Scalise channels ‘Eye of the Tiger’ for LSU commencement speech
“U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise began his commencement speech at LSU Friday by playing the “Eye of Tiger” fight song from his cell phone.
“He spoke at the 295th commencement exercises that kicked off a two-day, campuswide event during which the university will award 3,967 diplomas in a variety of disciplines. More than 550 students graduated with honors, including 125 students who received University Medals for having the with the highest undergraduate grade-point averages in the class.
“Scalise pointed to where he sat 30 years ago in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center when receiving his bachelor’s degree in computer science. He recalled sitting in Tiger Stadium for the 1988 earthquake game during which the celebration of a last-minute score against Auburn registered on the seismograph at the nearby Geoscience Complex. He also called out some of his LSU teachers, such as Professor Wayne Parent, who Scalise said inspired him into the world of politics.”
Rep. Steve Scalise challenges graduates to make a difference
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“Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.
“’I still keep that LSU pride with me everywhere I go,’ said Rep. Steve Scalise. ‘That Tiger blood that runs through me is the same Tiger blood that runs through you,’ he said. ‘By earning your diploma, you’ve accomplished something special and you become part of that family.’
“Rep. Scalise, an LSU alum, made it clear in his commencement address to the graduates that while accolades matter, it’s what you do with your life and the impact you make on others that matters most. Scalise graduated with the bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.”
Congressman Scalise issues three challenges to students during LSU graduation
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“…Scalise issued three challenges to the students.
“Challenge one was for graduates to stay in Louisiana. He wants students to use their talents and the skills they acquired at LSU to make Louisiana a better state. Challenge two calls for graduates to be champions for LSU. Scalise explained that graduates should give back whatever they can to the school. The third challenge was for graduates to maintain the friendships they made while at LSU.
“Scalise also spoke about the shooting that injured him last year as well as his recovery. He mentioned how much it meant to have the support of LSU.
“‘We always stick together as LSU Tigers,’ he said.”