Photo Credit: University of Colorado Boulder
As the University of Colorado Boulder’s class of 2024 gathered under the cloudy skies of Folsom Field, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The commencement ceremony, held on May 9, 2024, was not just a celebration of academic achievements but also a testament to resilience. The graduates, who began their college journey amidst the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, were finally reaping the rewards of their perseverance.
The commencement speaker, none other than Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, stood before the graduates as a symbol of innovation and intellectual freedom. His journey, marked by curiosity and a rebellious spirit, resonated with the audience. Wozniak’s connection to CU Boulder dates back to 1968, a time of great social upheaval and technological promise.
In his speech, Wozniak recounted his first encounter with the university, a trip that would shape his future. The sight of snow for the first time and the “freshness” of the campus left an indelible mark on the young prodigy. Despite being a candidate for several top technology schools, Wozniak’s heart was set on CU Boulder.
His time at the university, though brief, was filled with pivotal moments—from attending his first concert to sharing Bob Dylan records with fellow Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. Wozniak faced institutional pushback in the computer labs and was even expelled for hacking into the school’s network. Yet, these experiences only fueled his drive for innovation.
Wozniak’s message to the graduates was clear: “Keep smiling and pay your own success forward.” He urged them to remember the people and experiences that shaped their time at CU Boulder, emphasizing that while class material may fade, these memories will endure.
Chancellor Philip DiStefano echoed Wozniak’s sentiments, encouraging the graduates to define their life’s imperatives and pursue them boldly. DiStefano’s words, delivered in his last commencement speech as chancellor, highlighted the university’s commitment to leadership, innovation, and positive impact.
As Wozniak concluded his address, he left the graduates with a piece of invaluable advice—advice that had guided him through his own journey of discovery and creation: to follow one’s heart. It was this freedom, he believed, that allowed him to explore the realms of technology and ultimately co-found one of the most influential companies in the world.
The ceremony marked more than the conferral of degrees; it was a celebration of the spirit of CU Boulder—a spirit embodied by Steve Wozniak, a man whose love for snow and cold never left him, and whose contributions to computing have forever changed the world.
