Apple CEO Tim Cook Delivers Commencement Address at Gallaudet University

Friday May 13, 2022 12:16 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol

Apple CEO Tim Cook today delivered the commencement address at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., which is the only university in the world where Deaf and hard of hearing students live and learn bilingually in American Sign Language and English.

tim cook gallaudet university
During his speech, Cook told undergraduates that his one piece of advice is to lead with your values throughout life.

"What does it take to build a life that provides meaning and fulfillment?" said Cook. "No one can answer that question for you, and that includes me. There is no iPhone feature that can come to the rescue. AI is good, but it's not that good. Still, I have one important piece of advice I want to share — so important, that it's the only piece of advice I'm going to share today. And that is this: whatever you do, lead with your values."

Cook said that Apple's purpose has always been to create technology that enriches peoples' lives, adding that the company is only able to achieve that goal by having a relentless focus on its values, such as making technology accessible to all, ensuring that privacy is a fundamental human right, and environmental responsibility.

The commencement was streamed live on YouTube:

Cook's commencement address came after Apple TV+ film "CODA" won an Academy Award for Best Picture. The film revolves around a young woman named Ruby, the sole hearing member of a Deaf family. Using sign language, Ruby acts as an interpreter for her parents while working for her family's struggling fishing boat business.

Tag: Tim Cook

Top Rated Comments

aidler

18 months ago

Thanks I’m good… I rather have a root canal treatment..

Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Mr. Dee

We are going through a tough time at Apple. Workers who I’m about to fire don’t want to use our gorgeous 5 billion dollar campus; designed by Jony Ive who I could not relate to. Now many Apple store employees are thinking about unionizing and it’s just not right! Graduates here today, please come work for Apple and replace them please!

Thank you class of 2022!

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

TheYayAreaLiving ?️

But will he say Gurrdd morn-neng!

I’m waiting for the, "I Am Thrilled" moment.

DerekS

Nothing can ever top the famous "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish" speech from Jobs.

Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)

jz0309

I think I have better things to do…

Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)

now i see it

To his credit, he could decline to do these commencement address speeches - yet he does them. I know that for me, giving a speech is the last thing I’d want to do. I’d quit my job if it required me to give speeches.
So good for him on doing them.

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