One of the most exciting aspects of college graduation is listening to the commencement speeches given by successful people, whether they are celebrities, politicians or entrepreneurs. They can be inspiring, dramatic and even funny, but the best ones are memorable.

The speeches of 2012 did not disappoint, and here are some quotes from a few of this year’s best graduation speeches. (Can’t get enough? Check out some great excerpts from past years!)

Aaron Sorkin, Syracuse University

This screenwriter spoke at his alma mater, and he had an important message for the graduating class. According to The Huffington Post, one of the best parts of the speech was:

“And make no mistake about it, you are dumb. You’re a group of incredibly well-educated dumb people. I was there. We all were there. You’re barely functional. There are some screw-ups headed your way. I wish I could tell you that there was a trick to avoiding the screw-ups, but the screw-ups, they’re a-coming for ya. It’s a combination of life being unpredictable, and you being super dumb.”

Condoleezza Rice, Southern Methodist University

The former Secretary of State had some sage advice for students, reminding them that they have some responsibilities to consider before graduating. Dallas-based Southern Methodist University proudly posted some excerpts on the school’s website:

“I would like to suggest to you today that that privilege (of an education) brings with it several obligations and responsibilities. The first responsibility is actually one you have to yourself, and that is the responsibility to find and follow your passion. As an educated person, you have an opportunity to spend your life doing what you love. As you work to find your passion, you should also know that if you haven’t yet found it, it might indeed find you.”

She also mentioned the importance of debating or disagreeing with others at times, especially on issues you are passionate about:

“There is nothing wrong with holding an opinion and holding it passionately. But at those times when you’re absolutely sure that you’re right, talk with someone who disagrees. And if you constantly find yourself in the company of those who say “Amen” to everything that you say, find other company.”

Oprah Winfrey, Spelman College

If you are ambitious at all, you might look up to Oprah Winfrey, who told the graduating class of Spelman to take life by the horns. The Root reported that the following is one of the excerpts of this celebrity’s college graduation speech:

“You must have some vision for your life. Even if you don’t know the plan, you have to have a direction in which you choose to go. What I learned is that that’s a great metaphor for life. You want to be in the driver’s seat of your own life because if you are not, life will drive you.”

Michael Bloomberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

New York City’s mayor talked a bit about the importance of computers and the internet these days. UNC’s site posted the entire speech, which includes this quote:

“Today, whether you’re building an App, or writing a review on Yelp!, or checking in on Foursquare – you are making the computer, and everyone who uses it, smarter.”

He also said:

“Whether you like it or not: The computer nerds have won. We’re all computer nerds now.”

President Barack Obama, Barnard College

Obama sought to inspire the females graduating from this college to do great things. The Huffington Post excerpted parts of the speech:

“Because as tough as things have been, I am convinced you are tougher. I’ve seen your passion and I’ve seen your service … I’ve seen a generation eager — impatient even — to step into the rushing waters of history and change its course.”

Which commencement speeches stood out to you?

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