U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had a wealth of wisdom for the graduates of the U.S. Merchant Academy in Kings Point, New York, telling them to “stay faithful” to God and pursue lives of integrity and adventure, adding in a moving analogy that spoke directly to the seafaring careers that the graduates have ahead of them.
For background, Secretary Duffy delivered the 89th commencement address at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) on June 23, 2025, telling the graduates that there are two kinds of people: “those who believe in God and those who think they’re God.” The transportation secretary went on to emphasize the importance of faith, fitness, and perseverance.
Near the beginning of his speech, Secretary Duffy called back to spontaneous decisions he had made in his life and the rewards they brought, telling the graduates: “Say yes to adventures. Big and small. When I was your age. I got asked to do reality TV. I said yes.” He added, “What you do in Vegas stays in Vegas. But what you do on a reality TV show will live forever and be seen for years to come by your employers…and your kids. I had no idea what to expect or what would happen when I said yes.”
Next, Secretary Duffy advised the class of 2025 to “stop scrolling and start living,” adding, “Ask that girl on a date. A real date. Movie and dinner. Open her car door. And ladies, give that guy a chance!” He continued, “Endlessly scrolling never made anyone happy. Netflix and DoorDash alone on a Friday night will never be better than a night out with friends or the lady you shored up the courage to ask out on a date.”
Near the conclusion of his speech, Secretary Duffy shifted the focus to faith, saying, “There are two kinds of people in life: those who believe in God and those who think they’re God.” He added, “There’s something beautiful, humbling, and properly ordered about a man and woman who understand that there is a power greater than themselves. That everything is not in their control. And that they are the beloved child of a merciful God who hears their prayers.”
Bringing his speech to a close, Duffy told a story that spoke directly to the midshipmen graduates: “In the Middle Ages,” he began, “Men of the sea, prayed to the Virgin Mary who they called ‘Stella Maris’ because she was their north star that pointed them towards God, the Father, their protector and spiritual destination.”
Continuing, the secretary said, “No one knows the unpredictability and storms of nature and life like sailors. A good sailor knows that in the end, only God can calm the seas and bring them to safety. Look to that North Star.” He added, “Stay faithful and never underestimate the power of prayer.”
As one final benediction, Duffy said, “Now go out, work out, work hard, serve your country, and meet the love of your life.” He added, “Always keep The Merchant Marine Academy motto with you forever in your hearts: ‘Deeds Not Words.'”
Watch a clip from Secretary Duffy’s speech:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video