"A" students teach, "B" students work for "C" students

August 17, 2011

"To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say, 'Well done.' And to the "C" students, I say: 'You, too, can be president of the United States.' "

George W. Bush, 43rd President, 2001-2009

JUST HAVING SOME PRE 9-1-1 FUN Commencement Address at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut May 21, 2001 President Levin, thank you very much. Dean Brodhead; fellows of the Yale Corporation; fellow Yale parents, families, and graduates. It's a special privilege to receive this honorary degree. I was proud 33 years ago to receive my first Yale degree; I'm even prouder that in your eyes, I've earned this one. Most important, congratulations to the class of 2001. To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say, well done. And to the C students I say, you, too, can be President of the United States. [Laughter] A Yale degree is worth a lot, as I often remind Dick Cheney—[laughter]—who studied here but left a little early. So now we know: If you graduate from Yale, you become President; if you drop out, you get to be Vice President. [Laughter]