Galesburg, IL – Knox College has awarded honorary degrees to two US presidents. The first was Abraham Lincoln. The second was given his over the weekend.
Bill Clinton delivered the college's commencement speech to a crowd of more than 4,000. The event took place on the south lawn of Knox's Old Main, which is the last remaining building from the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.
Clinton's main theme was unity. He said research has shown every human being is genetically 99.9% the same. He said people should keep that in mind no matter what political, religious, or other differences might exist between them.
Clinton said it's important for people to come together to face challenges such as climate change and the depletion of resources. Other challenges include weapons of mass destruction and the possibility of global disease epidemics.
Clinton urged the Class of 2007 to find a way to minimize the forces of destruction and maximize those of unity.
You can listen to Clinton's entire speech by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Clinton was introduced by professor Lance Factor. The honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was handed to him by college President Roger Taylor.
*Clinton said he agreed to speak at Knox College because his White House Chief of Staff John Podesta is a member of the school's Class of '71.
*Clinton was unable to attend the entire commencement. He left shortly after delivering his address to speak to Operation Push in Chicago.