Steve Jobs gave one of the most memorable commencement speeches in living memory, and it seems that Tim Cook is set to take on the same challenge when he delivers the address at MIT’s 2017 graduation event next June.
“Mr. Cook’s brilliance as a business leader, his genuineness as a human being, and his passion for issues that matter to our community make his voice one that I know will resonate deeply with our graduates,” MIT President L. Rafael Reif said. “I am delighted that he will join us for commencement and eagerly await his charge to the class of 2017.”
Liana Ilutzi, president of MIT’s class of 2017, hailed Cook as a “trailblazer” as well as an “inspiration to innovators worldwide.”
During his tenure as Apple CEO, Tim Cook has been outspoken about social and political issues, whether that be LGBT rights, environmental concerns, or simply making Apple a “force for good” in the world.
Recently Apple strengthened its ties with the academic community by agreeing to let its AI researchers publish work in academic journals: marking something of a turning point for the secretive company.
While giving a commencement speech isn’t exactly an everyday occurrence for Cook, this won’t be his first time around the block. In 2010 he addressed his alma mater Auburn University, while last year he welcomed students into the working world by giving the address at George Washington University’s graduation ceremony.
Cook even managed to get a great dig in at the expense of Apple’s iPhone competitors during the latter event!
Check out the full speech at George Washington U below:
Source: MIT