Retired Indiana Supreme Court justice speaks at Butler’s winter commencement

Butler University recently held its winter commencement ceremony, where retired Indiana Supreme Court Justice Randall Shepard told the 138 students that they should have a sense of optimism when holding their diplomas because they are educated and in America.

The ceremony was held on Dec. 17 in Clowes Memorial Hall.

“The value of an education earned in 2016 at universities like Butler is more tangible than ever,” Shepard said. “Your decision and your family’s decision to persevere in education is the best possible launching pad for a successful career and a successful life.”

Shepard is the longest tenured chief justice in the history of Indiana. Even though graduates are living during a time of great change in this country, he believes there is plenty of reason to hope.

“In what other nation would you be positioned for a brighter future?” Shepard said. “This nation has created more opportunity, more freedom, more economic security for more people from more walks of life than any society in the whole history of humankind.”

He continued by speaking about the continued support of America by investors and governments -- from Canada to Canton.

The list of graduates can be found on Butler’s website.