During the MIT Commencement ceremony today, the Class of 2026 received crucial advice from AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su: "Run toward the hardest problems." She emphasized that tough challenges truly reveal your capabilities. As an MIT alumna with three degrees in electrical engineering, Su's name was honored by the naming of the MIT.nano facility in 2022.
In her speech, Su highlighted that taking on difficult challenges is key to learning. She expressed that at MIT, she gained not the confidence to always know the answer, but the confidence to figure things out even when she didn’t. She urged graduates to lead with purpose and address societal challenges, stating, "The world needs not just people who know how to use powerful tools, but those who know what to use them for."
MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth also spoke, emphasizing the core values of excellence and curiosity at MIT. She highlighted the Institute’s role in advancing fields like medicine, energy, and agriculture, asserting that curiosity is essential for scientific progress.
This year, 1,165 undergraduates and 2,817 graduate students earned their degrees, with the ceremony featuring an alumni parade and speeches from student representatives. Su shared her experiences at MIT, underscoring the motto of "mens et manus," or "mind and hand," which signifies the importance of both deep thinking and practical problem-solving.
Su also discussed the potential of AI in various fields, particularly in medicine and science, suggesting it could accelerate discoveries. However, she cautioned that technology cannot dictate the future; it is humanity that must make those decisions. "AI cannot determine which problems are worth solving or take responsibility for outcomes," she noted.
In her closing remarks, Kornbluth encouraged graduates to apply their knowledge and skills ethically and responsibly, ensuring they contribute positively to society. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
Blogger's Review: This graduation ceremony not only celebrates academic achievement but also emphasizes the importance of responsibility in the face of rapid technological advancement, especially with AI. Society needs not just technical talent but leaders who are ethically aware and socially responsible. May these young graduates boldly explore and innovate for meaningful change in the world.