2017 Salutatorian Address, English translation

2017 Salutatorian Address, English translation

Grant Storey

At Princeton Commencement

In New Jersey, the eighth day before the Ides of June

Sixth Day of June

2,770 years from the founding of Rome

Year 2017 in the Common Era

Academic Year 270

Sing, muse, of the brilliant students, who spent four long years warring within the Orange Bubble before this important day.

Sing of our many battles, writing papers at Firestone in the depths of night, studying for tests, dealing with plagues, braving rain and blizzards and lightning (that fearsome wrath of Zeus), fighting Sleep himself, that noted brother of Death, to get to 9:00 am lecture. Sing of the hours spent writing theses, and those lucky few who escaped that burden.

Sing of President Eisgruber, leader of leaders, head of the host, who arrived along with our class four years ago and brought an end to years of Canadian rulership. Give honor to the trustees, who watch over this great university. And do not forget our wise professors, who gave us knowledge in the classroom and mentorship outside of it.

With these men and women praised, do not forget our dearest families and guardians, who provided us with much love and support.

Lastly, muse, sing of friends and friendship. Through the dark days and the light ones, whether we were laughing at funny pictures of cats or crying over difficulties of love, our friends were by our sides and helped us grow.

As we all travel forward on our own paths, to pursue passions or dreams or ambition or stability, may we all find success (and escape the misfortune of the Greeks returning from Troy). But may we also never forget our comrades for these four years, who ate, drank, slept, studied, cried, laughed and danced with us.

Thank you all for four wonderful years, and welcome.