Harrison Ford to graduates of ASU: "I didn't want to be a poster boy for Nature, I wanted to be part of the work. Go change the World"

The Greek Courier

16/05/26

Harrison Ford made a memorable impact during his commencement address at Arizona State University, where he received an honorary Doctor of Arts and Humane Letters on May 11, 2026. In front of over 14,000 graduates, the 83-year-old actor reflected not just on his own journey but particularly on his deep love and commitment to nature.

During his speech, Ford emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship. He shared his journey into the world of acting, which he originally entered by chance after an unfulfilling college experience. Moving from a mundane search for "easy A's" in drama to discovering the thrill of performance, Ford's path ultimately led to a new calling: environmental advocacy.

Harrison Ford in February 2026.

Ford passionately spoke about his work with Conservation International, highlighting the urgent need for conservation amidst the ongoing threats to nature. He stated, “Despite new science and policies, we are still losing nature to profiteering, corruption, and conflict,” reinforcing the idea that environmental destruction is often driven by greed.

Harrison Ford in 1966. Screen Archives/Getty

He urged graduates to not only recognize the power of their generation but also to harness it for meaningful change. “If you find your leadership, your issues, your voice, the world will not be able to ignore you,” he said, inspiring young people to take an active role in protecting the environment.

Harrison Ford in 1984.Paul Harris/Getty

With a heartfelt conclusion, Ford encouraged the class of 2026 to seize every opportunity to make a difference. “What could be worse than getting to the end of your life and realizing that you haven't fully lived it?” he asked, invoking a sense of urgency and responsibility towards the planet.

As he signed off with a final congratulation to the graduates, Ford left them with a powerful message: “Go change the world.” His commitment to nature and the call for action echoed long after his speech, urging the next generation to embrace their role in environmental advocacy.