Joan Biskupic Delivers 2010 Commencement Address

"Wear the robe” was one of the memorable pieces of advice given by author and journalist Joan Biskupic to graduating NCS seniors at their commencement ceremony on June 13.

Biskupic, mother of Elizabeth Lewis ’10, gave a warm and insightful address that drew upon the experiences of Supreme Court Justices Ginsburg and O’Connor as well as her own to illustrate both the progress women have made, and what still needs to be done.   

What she called the “touchstones” of her speech were three pithy statements:

• Take the Front Row.

• Wear the Robe.

• Use Your Gifts for Good.

By “take the front row” Biskupic stressed the importance of being visible and gaining power through doing.  “Of course, there is a burden to being visible, to taking the front row.  You have to be ready to engage," she said. "You have to have done your homework.  But if anyone can do her homework and be ready to take the lead, it is a student from the National Cathedral School.”

“Wear the robe” is Biskupic's shorthand for her advice to NCS graduates to take time to appreciate what they’ve done instead of always looking ahead.  The phrase comes from her own experience of having skipped her law school graduation ceremony, and regretting not having stopped to enjoy that moment of achievement.

When discussing “using your gifts for good,” Biskupic linked good deeds to the appreciation of others’ success and ultimately, to happiness.  “I have seen you cheer each other on…I know that you feel happy for each other’s accomplishments.  Hold onto that,” she said.  “Here’s the dirty little secret about being decent: it actually does make you happier in life.”

To read the full text of the commencement address, click here.

To read more about Joan Biskupic, click here.