Craig Robinson addressed the Princeton University Class of 2026 during the Baccalaureate ceremony, according to remarks prepared for delivery on May 24. He thanked Christopher L. Eisgruber, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and parents before sharing personal reflections from his time as a student at Princeton.
Robinson spoke about challenges he faced during his first semester, recalling feelings of self-doubt and the pressures associated with attending an institution like Princeton. He described how a conversation with his father helped him realize that success is not measured by perfection but by persistence. “He said: ‘Craig, you aren’t going to be number one in the class, and you aren’t going to be number 1,001 in the class. But no matter where you land, you will always have a Princeton degree. So relax, and do your best.'”
Throughout his speech, Robinson encouraged graduates to embrace change and not fear adjusting their paths when necessary—a concept he referred to as “The Swerve.” He recounted how changing his major from engineering to sociology was initially difficult but ultimately led him toward personal growth and fulfillment. “Sometimes maturity is realizing that forcing yourself down the wrong path simply because you’re afraid to disappoint people is not strength — it’s fear,” Robinson said.
He also discussed various career changes after graduation—from playing basketball overseas and working in investment banking to coaching at several universities and roles within professional basketball organizations—emphasizing that fulfillment comes from pursuing one’s passions rather than conforming strictly to expectations or external definitions of success.
Robinson concluded by urging graduates to give back through service—echoing both Princeton’s motto “in the service of humanity” and advice from former coach Pete Carril: “When things aren’t going your way, do something for someone else.” He encouraged students not just to seek prestigious titles but instead focus on making meaningful contributions wherever they go.
As students prepare for life beyond graduation, Robinson advised them, “If you find yourself drifting away from the ‘prestigious’ path toward something you actually love, trust that instinct… Go out there and be brave enough to evolve… Your future isn’t a set play drawn up on a whiteboard; it’s a breakaway transition where you get to decide the finish.”
