Curiosity, courage and connection are the tools Amy Murphy encouraged Susquehanna University’s Class of 2026 to wield as they embark on their futures beyond the college campus.
Murphy, a 1985 Susquehanna graduate and longtime producing artistic director of Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre Company, delivered the keynote address at Susquehanna’s 168th Commencement. She reflected on her own uncertainty upon leaving Susquehanna and encouraged students to embrace vulnerability as part of growth.
“Susquehanna taught you to be curious,” Murphy said. “Allow any fear or insecurity to be recognized; from that vulnerability comes strength.”
Murphy credited her liberal arts education with giving her not only practical skills, but also the confidence to take risks and pursue unexpected opportunities. Throughout her address, Murphy used personal stories from her time at Susquehanna and her early theater career to illustrate the value of stepping beyond comfort zones — from algebra to the founding of a theatre company. She urged Susquehanna’s 537 graduates to embrace opportunities even when they feel intimidating.
“When given the opportunity, push your boundaries, take the risk. Every time you say yes, a new opportunity will be put in your path,” Murphy said. “You have learned how to ‘figure things out.’ Trust in that experience.”
Murphy emphasized the importance of relationships and networking, reminding graduates that the Susquehanna community itself represents a lifelong support system.
“You could pick up the phone and call anyone in this room and say, ‘I am a graduate of Susquehanna, and I’d like to speak with you,’ and the door would open,” Murphy said. “Your network is the most valuable tool you have.”
Her remarks concluded with Murphy reflecting on being a first-generation college graduate whose parents — her father a plumber and her mother an artist/historian and housewife — sacrificed to send their three daughters to Susquehanna.
“I stand here today as my parents’ hope fulfilled,” Murphy said. “You sit in front of me as the hope of this broad community.”
University President Jonathan Green congratulated the Class of 2026 for their achievements and acknowledged that they are setting forth into a world marked by challenges — from wars to artificial intelligence.
“Do not be daunted, you have been preparing for this moment since you arrived on campus. Every generation has had to confront profound challenges,” Green said. “Those threats change with each generation, but the constants seem to be our species’ capacity for inhumanity and the heroic counterpoint of its moral opposition. You are those heroes.”
Artificial Intelligence, Green said, has been around for decades, but in the past several years has become social and controversial. Like history’s other technological advances, artificial intelligence is viewed as both a threat and opportunity.
“We need to embrace the opportunities of AI and other advances with deep skepticism and childlike wonder, and you need to remember that it is the highest function of human nature that makes you robot-proof,” Green said. “Do not forget what the liberal arts have taught you about the dominions of humanity and your agency within them.”
Green encouraged Susquehanna’s graduates to rise above greed and short-term gains at the expense of humankind’s long game.
“My greatest hopes are in observing how you have worked together, how you have lifted each other up, and how you have collectively striven to be good,” Green said. “You have proved yourselves capable of being active and original scholars, scientists, artists and citizens, compassionate advocates and the moral heroes we need to secure our better future.”
