It’s that time of year for caps and gowns, diplomas and degrees, and with them are inspiring, thought provoking speeches to newly minted graduates. Diamond Comic Book Distributors President and CEO, Steve Geppi, gave one such address on Saturday, May 4, 2019, as the commencement speaker at Capitol Technology University in Laurel, Maryland.

He was introduced by Haden Land, chairmen of the Board of Trustees who told the graduates and gathered audience about Geppi’s rise in the comic industry from opening his first Geppi’s Comic World to his position as president and CEO of Diamond Comic Book Distributors and its sister companies.

Geppi warmed up the crowd by joking about all the cell phone pictures being snapped, and the fact that commencement was taking place on May the Fourth, the unofficial Star Wars holiday, and Free Comic Book Day. In the meat of his address, he discussed his upbringing and the challenges he faced, as well as how technology is changing the world. He advocated for being a good listener and encouraged the graduates to use their talents but cautioned them to pay attention to how and where they use them.

Geppi’s introduction and speech can be viewed below, starting at around 49:30.