Donna Brazile

Brazile’s plenary address, “The Political Environment and Mood of the Country,” was part of Walden University’s “Perspectives on the World” series, which brings diverse global views to the Walden community.

Watch an excerpt from Donna Brazile’s plenary address.

Answering the Call
Brazile called on Walden doctoral students and faculty members not only to be agents of social change, but also to discuss the issues that create conflict to help resolve those issues.

“We can help create that moment, if we dare to have that conversation,” she said. “We’re moving, history is moving, the country is moving. We don’t have to go back anymore to see how we go forward. We now have to go forward so that we never go back, and we have to bring people with us.

“You are blessed to go to a good college. This university is preparing you to be part of the change. … There are no more excuses. What was yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is going to be even better, but you have to answer the call to serve.”

“Perspectives on the World” Series
Walden University’s “Perspectives on the World” series brings distinguished scholars, journalists and social scientists to commencement ceremonies and academic residency programs to share their diverse global views with doctoral students and faculty members.

Past speakers include Jeffrey Goldberg, author and correspondent for The Atlantic magazine, who discussed the possibility of reconciliation in the Middle East; Robin Wright, diplomatic correspondent for The Washington Post, who shared insights on international affairs and foreign policy; and Paul Loeb, author of The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear, who covered citizen responsibility and empowerment.

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