Actor and conservation activist Harrison Ford addressed Arizona State University undergraduates at the Tempe school’s spring commencement ceremony Monday night.
Ford, best known for his roles in the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” movies, received an honorary doctor of arts and humane letters degree during the commencement ceremony for his work in film and global conservation. He has served on Conservation International’s Board of Directors since 1991.
In his speech, Ford called for the next generation to find its passion — and purpose — moving forward into the world. He said while acting is his passion, protecting the Earth itself and all the resources it provides for humanity is his purpose.
“I didn’t want to be a poster boy for the cause. I wanted to be part of the work,” Ford said. “So, I was invited to join the board some 35 years ago. And that’s why I stand here now before you to represent nature, the source of life itself. Humanity is a part of nature. Not above it.”
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Ford spoke about his journey into acting as well, detailing the college theater class that led him to the big screen and Hollywood. He encouraged the graduates to do the very same and discover their own paths.
“Find a place for yourself. Whatever talent or ambition you have, find some way to put it to work, build something that didn’t exist yesterday. Stand up for someone who can’t stand up for themselves,” he said.
“Bring people together who weren’t talking before. That’s leadership. That’s what moves the needle. Your generation has far more power than you may realize.”
ASU graduated 22,631 undergraduate and graduate students in the Spring 2026 semester, the most in the university’s history and a 6% increase from 2025.
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