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“What do good graduation speeches and good biscuits have in common?” asked NPR’s Juan Williams, addressing the Class of 2009 at Stevenson University on Friday, May 15, 2009. “They’re both better with a little shortening.”

The journalist, Emmy-winning documentary writer, and political observer delivered the keynote address at Stevenson University’s 2009 commencement ceremonies. Williams received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University.

“You’re in tough economic times but you have fewer limits on you historically than those who graduated during wars, women’s rights, or other discriminatory times,” he added. “Every generation has its hurdles to leap. Don’t allow yourself the indulgence to say you can’t do it. The world is starved for what you have to offer.”

Just over 500 students took part in the exercises on Stevenson’s Greenspring campus. This is the first May commencement ceremony under the University’s new name.

Williams — a senior correspondent and news analyst for National Public Radio (NPR)—is regularly heard on Morning Edition and Day to Day, and is also a contributing political analyst for the Fox News Channel and a regular panelist on Fox News Sunday. He has also appeared on Nightline, Washington Week in Review, Oprah, CNN’s Crossfire, and Capitol Gang Sunday.

“We honor Juan Williams with this degree in recognition of his significant contributions to the fields of journalism and public affairs,” said Kevin J. Manning, Ph.D., President of Stevenson University, who presented the honorary degree. “We thank him for exposing us to new ideas about race and politics and proudly confer on him today Stevenson University’s highest academic honor.”