Emmy Award-winning television host and comedienne Ellen DeGeneres gives a hilarious and touching speech to the Tulane University graduating class of 2009. Speech begins at 1:46 in the video.

“And I realized that I had a purpose. And it wasn’t just about me, and it wasn’t about [being a] celebrity… It was so important for me to lose everything, because I found that what the most important thing is to be true to yourself. Ultimately, that’s what’s gotten me to this place.”

5 Responses to “Ellen DeGeneres’s 2009 Commencement Speech”

1. Tracy Pepe Says:
   June 26th, 2012 at 5:54 pm

   Love this – thank you.

   Each day we get hit with negative “crap” from people who think we are wrong, or can do this better, or we are dreaming too big, or whatever and some days I look at them and roar with pride as a lion – NO Thank you. But somedays we are vulnerable, we are small kitten and we are really not strong enough and some days we start to believe – and than a friend like Darren – send out this message for the pure intention to inspire and we are grateful and empowered once again! It is that easy. Thank you

2. May Pio Says:
   November 12th, 2012 at 12:03 am

   Thanks so much for the most enjoyable speech.

3. Susana Lopez Says:
   December 3rd, 2012 at 5:13 pm

   We all need people in our lives that are more experienced,wise and plain know better to share and help us out in making better
   decisions. (to avoid making errors that may cost us)
   I admire brave, motivated inspirational people like Ellen Degenerous. (generous) I can better say.
   Makes you happy to watch her, listen to her and follow her. I’ll take the good and ride with it,she and so many other influential speakers shape our(my) life in ways they may never know. And for that, I am thankful and motivated to follow my dreams and develope myself everyday.

4. Carol waugh Says:
   January 9th, 2013 at 10:42 pm

   ellen Is fabulous and a brave woman….. Love to watch Ellen dance…..

5. Phil Daniel Says:
   February 9th, 2013 at 6:29 am

   Very funny, authentic and inspiring. Life is a ball of confusion with moments of clarity along the way.

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