Why are battles over just who gets the honor of toasting new graduates—and what they say—always so heated?

When JSTOR saved the day...Recent college grads remember the articles that helped them with their research before graduation.

Commencement speeches have inspired, motivated and captivated many. Just what makes the words found in them so wonderful and life-affirming? 

Graduation ceremonies and traditions have certainly changed over the past 100 years.