Honored to Return, Ready to Speak Up

What I told the Class of 2025 about courage, climate, and finding your voice

This past weekend, I returned to my alma mater, Plymouth State University, to deliver the commencement address for the Class of 2025—and to receive an honorary doctorate in climate science.

It was an honor I never expected. I spent nearly two decades delivering the weather, not life advice. But along the way—from firefighter to climate communicator—I’ve learned a few things worth passing on.

This speech is about those lessons:

• That it’s okay to ask for help

• That you should be the helper

• That you can reinvent yourself at any age

• And that sometimes, doing what’s right means quitting when you’re told to stay silent

It’s also about standing up for science. I left a high-profile job after being told to stop talking about climate change—something I wasn’t willing to do. That moment helped define the path I’m on now.

I told graduates that climate change will touch every profession. Whether they go into business, healthcare, communications, or something else entirely—it matters. And they don’t need to be climate crusaders to help make the planet a better place.

This is the most personal and meaningful talk I’ve ever given. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch.

Watch the full commencement speech below.

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