Media

West Lafayette, IN – Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) joined Purdue University to give the commencement address for the Winter 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Congressman Baird received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in animal science from Purdue University. In his speech, he discussed the value of a degree from Purdue University, his bipartisan work in Congress, his military service in the Vietnam War, and the importance of resilience, service, and sacrifice.

Watch the full speech here.

Highlights from the commencement can be found below:

On the Value of a Purdue University Degree:

“In receiving a Purdue degree, you are all receiving something extremely valuable, but with this great honor comes a responsibility to serve. Your degree and all of the future opportunities that come with it were earned through perseverance, determination, and sacrifice.”

“You are all lucky enough to be a part of an institution that other colleges and universities look to for guidance. Now you, as graduates, have the opportunity and responsibility to continue Purdue’s tradition of excellence.”

On Defending America and Serving in the Vietnam War:

“Our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the recognition and appreciation they deserved for a long time. Veterans faced a poor reception coming home from the war and were not seen as heroes, a far contrast from the celebrations following World War II. Instead, the veterans faced fierce anti-war sentiments and were blamed for the outcome of the war. We were seen as a symbol of defeat, when in fact they were extremely successful on the battlefield. As the years have progressed, Vietnam Veterans are finally receiving the gratitude they deserved. I served, despite the risks and the painful losses, out of love for my country.”

On the Importance of Resilience:

“There will always be roadblocks in life– an excuse not to do something, but that’s where resilience comes in. Resilience carried me through Vietnam. Our gun trucks were made with scrounged armor and weapons obtained by whatever means possible and built in the field. They were not the big, well-equipped tanks you would think we had in combat. It was our ability to adapt to the circumstances and build the gun trucks that saved many American lives and delivered supplies successfully. It was mental and physical resilience that brought me through my recovery and transition back to civilian life after Vietnam. It is this resilience that can take you from the hardest moments in your life to your greatest success.”

On Having a Commitment to Service:

“If there is one common thread that binds your life and your career it should be a commitment to service. It was my duty to serve my country in the Army, and it was my continued desire to serve my country that motivated me to run for office. I love this country, and I want to see it changed for the better for my grandkids.”

On the CHIPS Act and Purdue’s Leadership:

“Another key bipartisan initiative is the CHIPS Act, which has boosted domestic research and development of semiconductors. This investment has allowed Purdue to become the nation’s leading university for the development of semiconductors. Once again, Purdue’s excellence has set our university above the rest. I believe with historic investments like this, Indiana – with Purdue at the helm – is poised to become the Silicon Valley of the Heartland. We are on the precipice of a great comeback for American innovation, and Purdue students like you will lead the way.”

###