In her introduction of this year’s keynote speaker, Dean Ahad noted that Keith Burns’ journey from a first-generation college student at Oxford College to a nationally recognized business leader was guided by vision, perseverance, and generosity.

Burns’ career as an entrepreneur, attorney, and investor includes serving as co-chair and CEO of private investment firm Lullwater & Co., co-executive chair of One Physics, and adjunct professor and lecturer at top colleges in the U.S. and abroad. His deep commitment to giving back is evident in his work to establish a need-based scholarship at Oxford in honor of his friend and mentor, Judge Horace Johnson, Jr.

“Despite all his accomplishments, Keith remains grounded, thoughtful, and deeply committed to the people and places that shaped him,” said Ahad. “He reminds us that success isn’t just about credentials or accomplishments—it’s also about character. In a world that often celebrates ambition alone, he stands out for leading with integrity, humility, and heart. He has a powerful vision and the rare ability to bring that vision to life—but what inspires me most is how he does it: with care for others, a deep sense of purpose, and a genuine commitment to community. ”

In his address, Burns hailed the Class of 2025 as the “smartest, most accomplished graduating class in the history of Oxford College” and joked that he probably wouldn’t have been admitted had he applied when they did. Burns went on to urge students to persist, grow, and love.

Noting that “there is no definitive manual for how to figure all this stuff out,” he urged students to persist, citing his own commitment to overcoming the economic instability growing up in a single-parent home, dealing with stereotypes of young Black boys growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, and navigating the college application and selection process without the knowledge of anyone who had been there to guide him. 

“It may sound simple but getting back up when I’ve been knocked down—that’s my superpower. And it can be yours too.” 

Burns went on to tout growth as the heart of the human experience. “I’ve found that exposing myself to different viewpoints, challenging my assumptions, and learning new disciplines is the stuff that a good life is made of,” he said. “Self-discovery and reflection you began here at Oxford can be the spark for a lifelong journey toward something greater. Your personal growth can fuel progress—not just for yourself, but for your communities, this nation, and the world.”

Finally, Burns urged the crowd to repeat his third mantra, “I will love.” Citing the love of his family and friends and his faith, he praised Oxford for its diversity of thought and perspective that will help students grow.

“People are hard to hate close up. Move in. Speak truth to BS. Be civil. Hold hands. With strangers. Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart,” said Burns, quoting author Brene Brown from her book “Braving the Wilderness.”

“People are hard to hate close up” has been one of the greatest revelations in my life.  Don’t let anyone convince you that love cannot win out.  Move In.  Take your Oxford experience of being around such diversity of thought and perspective and move in.  It will not only defeat hate -- it will strengthen your own beliefs and challenge your assumptions – it will help you grow.”

I will persist, I will grow, I will love. Burns encouraged graduates to say these mantras out loud. “Mind these commitments. Hold them close. I hope they stay with you and guide you. And I hope you celebrate this accomplishment, because you’ve earned it.”

After the conferral of degrees, Emory President Gregory L. Fenves congratulated students on completing their studies at Oxford and welcomed them to the next exciting step in their Emory journey. He reminded them of those initial days of discovery, expectation, and excitement when they first arrived on campus and how they embraced every moment to become the people they are today. 

“These last two years have taught you so much—a world of knowledge and experiences, yes—but also profound lessons about yourselves,” Fenves said. “Through time spent in classrooms, laboratories, and studios, bonding with your peers and Oxford faculty and staff, stepping into leadership roles, and realizing a depth of strength, resilience, and talent you weren’t even aware of, you rose to every challenge—and flourished.” 

“Being at Oxford College changes you in unimaginable ways. And each of you has given something back, changing this campus for the better, and leaving your own distinctive mark.”

Fenves thanked Oxford’s leadership and the family and friends of students who helped them learn and grow over the last two years. He urged students to “bring the very best of Oxford College” with them as they transition to the Atlanta campus.