Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) delivered the 2026 commencement address to graduating students at Notre Dame de Namur University on Saturday [1].
The address signals a continued effort by the Speaker Emerita to mobilize younger generations to actively participate in the preservation of American democratic institutions.
Speaking in Belmont, California [2], Pelosi focused her remarks on the responsibilities of the new graduates as they enter a complex political landscape. She described the students as "patriots of our time" and said they should remain vigilant in the defense of democracy [3].
The event took place on May 3, 2026 [1], marking a significant homecoming for the former speaker to address a Bay Area audience. Pelosi said that the role of a citizen extends beyond voting and requires a sustained commitment to the democratic process [3].
Throughout the ceremony, the former speaker highlighted the intersection of education and civic duty. She noted that the knowledge gained at the university should serve as a tool for safeguarding the republic, a sentiment she linked to the broader challenges facing the U.S. political system [3].
Pelosi's appearance at the university comes as part of a broader series of engagements where she has addressed the necessity of institutional stability. She said the graduates possess the unique capacity to influence the future of the nation's governance [3].
The commencement ceremony concluded with a call to action for the students to apply their academic training toward the public good, and the protection of civil liberties [3].
“patriots of our time”
By framing university graduates as 'patriots,' Pelosi is attempting to redefine patriotism as an active defense of democratic norms rather than a passive national identity. This rhetoric reflects a strategic effort to engage Gen Z and Millennials in institutional preservation as the U.S. continues to navigate deep political polarization.
