Kathleen Sebelius Addresses Harvard Kennedy School Graduates

June 4, 2009
by Lindsay Hodges Anderson

Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), spoke to Harvard Kennedy School’s graduating students on June 3, imparting wisdom gained from a long political career and roles as diverse as governor and mother. Sebelius, whose graduating son Ned Sebelius MPA 2009 introduced her, stressed the importance of family to those who serve the public and drew comparisons between family and public service.

“I really see them as two points in the same continuum,” said Sebelius. “To me, my family has always been my support network. It’s from them I draw my inspiration to serve others.”

Sebelius said she was raised to believe that public service is crucial and helping people is more important than being a “somebody”. She said that public service connects people to their communities and opens doors for wonderful experiences.

“By coming to this university you all have agreed to be measured among some of the most intelligent and powerful people in the world,” she said. “But let me make it clear, you don’t need to make it to the White House to be a success… I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not what people call you when you enter the room, but what people say about you when you’ve left the room, that counts.”

Sebelius cited Robert F. Kennedy as a lifelong inspiration for calling a generation to action and acknowledging that serving his community was a privilege and opportunity to improve the country.

She concluded her speech by commending the graduates and telling them that they are on the threshold of an exciting, challenging time.

“You are emerging form the Kennedy School at just the right time with the right set of skills… as the president often said on the campaign trail, ‘we are the change we’ve been waiting for’ and here you are ready to take your rightful place at the front of the line... Making choices will require some moral courage. Moral courage is rare and powerful - it’s a source of tremendous strength when the odds are long. It’s a foundation that will help you both defend and challenge your own beliefs.”

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Dean David T. Ellwood (left) and Kathleen Sebelius (right)

Dean David T. Ellwood (left) introduces Kathleen Sebelius (right) to the packed audience. Photo credit Michael Casey.

"I’ve come to appreciate that it’s not what people call you when you enter the room, but what people say about you when you’ve left the room, that counts." - Kathleen Sebelius

Kathleen Sebelius

Kathleen Sebelius encouraged graduates to serve the public with the same passion they feel for their families. Photo credit Michael Casey.