2025 Grads Encouraged to Focus on Kindness
Kindness is Key Post-graduation
In his address to the 2025 graduating Ph.D. class in economics, Elie Tamer, department chair, encouraged graduates to focus on who they are as people in order to gain success. He urged them to be kind and humble as they move forward, reminding them that long after their dissertations are forgotten, the kindness they show will leave a lasting impact. He further emphasized that being someone others want in the room is more valuable than being the smartest.
Congrats to the graduating Ph.D. class! My name is Elie Tamer and I am thrilled to welcome you all.
To the grads: I have seen you conquer coursework, read many papers—some maybe no one else wanted to read—and ask questions no one thought to ask. You’ve given—and endured—more presentations than you thought possible. You have survived impossible questions in seminars; abandoned drafts; crashed code; and also survived the creeping suspicion that your research topic may only be interesting to you and your advisor—and even they are on the fence.
And yet, you are here. And today is a big deal. You each have made meaningful contributions and are moving on to the next chapter. Let me leave you with one simple message: Be kind and be a good person.
Long after your dissertation collects dust on the shelf (and it will), the kindness you show to students, colleagues, strangers will still matter. I know that we live in this world where being the smartest person in the room is a competition. But don’t forget that the most valuable person you can be is someone others want in the room.
So, by all means, publish your work, lead teams, write books and papers, teach classes. But also send thank you emails, ask people how they are doing, celebrate other’s wins.
And remember, it is always okay to admit that you are wrong. And if all else fails, at least be that person who brings snacks to a seminar. Seriously, that part sticks with people.
So, go out and make Dr. and Ph.D. mean more than just a line on your email. Make it mean wise, humble, and kind. And don’t forget, when you are back in town please stop by. Littauer’s (or Pritzker Hall) doors are open—we would love to see you. You can update us on your news; and we can update you on ours.
Congratulations doctors. The world needs people like you—smart, driven, and above all, kind. Don’t forget to take a nap and have a cold beer—you’ve earned that too.