Senator Barack Obama Delivers Commencement Speech

Due to a recent discovery of a malignant brain tumor, Senator Ted Kennedy was unable to give the commencement speech at Wesleyan University on Sunday afternoon. As a result, the students were addressed instead by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Senator Kennedy's son, Edward Jr., graduated from the university 25 years ago and his stepdaughter, Caroline, graduated at Sunday's ceremony. Obama paid tribute to the Kennedy family throughout his speech, specifically citing Ted Kennedy's achievements and ability to make a difference in the world.

In his speech, Obama attempted to inspire nearly 1,000 students that were in attendance at Wesleyan University's commencement ceremony. Obama's words to the graduates were, "It's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential."

Obama emphasized how the students could drastically change the world by helping the rebuilding process in New Orleans as a result of the devastating Hurricane Katrina, volunteering at places such as soup kitchens and lending a helping hand whenever possible.