Steve Case, co-founder and former chief executive officer of America Online, ended his commencement address Sunday morning with an unusual request.
He asked all the members of the audience — graduates as well as family members — to stand for a picture.
“Given that I spent most of my life trying to get people to use the internet, it’s only fitting that I end by sharing this momentous occasion on Twitter,” he said.
Case tweeted the picture of the crowd and asked the 35,000 people in attendance to retweet it.
Case was the commencement speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony, where family and friends gathered on Mother’s Day to show their support and celebrate the achievements of the class of 2013.
In his address, Case presented his keys to success, crediting the accomplishments of AOL to what he calls the 3 P’s – people, passion and perseverance.
“I hope you’ll remember those three key attributes,” he said.
“And constantly reassess your own lives — and your own choices — to be sure you’re working with and for the best possible team of people, you’re rabidly passionate about whatever path you choose, and you have the perseverance to stick with it through the tough times so you can be there when things finally break through.”
Case also stressed the importance of entrepreneurship in his address.
