The Clinton School of Public Service celebrated its 20th Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2026, featuring two student speakers selected by their peers to represent the graduating Class of 2026.
Josie Tilley and Carole DeLaney delivered inspiring remarks that reflected the unique experiences and shared commitment to public service within both the in-person and online programs.
A Vision of Impact Over Time
Tilley, a native of Fort Smith, represented the Master of Public Service in-person program. Tilley used the anniversary of the school’s 20th graduating class to reflect on how much motivated people can accomplish in two decades, citing historical milestones from the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the recent Artemis II lunar flyby.
Tilley emphasized that the Class of 2026 has already established a significant legacy of service. In just two years, the cohort completed 10 practicum projects totaling 9,912 hours, along with 48 International Public Service Projects across 19 countries.
“Relatively and historically speaking, 20 years is not a lot of time,” Tilley said. “It’s amazing what motivated people can create, can accomplish, can change, when they find collaborative ways to work with others; to work selflessly, behind the scenes; to make what may appear to be small changes that results in a better world with more opportunities for hundreds, thousands, or millions. Imagine what we can do in 20 years.”
Following graduation, Tilley plans to work in the food and agriculture industry to support farmers and improve community food access.
The Power of Opportunity and Opening Doors
DeLaney, an experienced professional originally from Hot Springs and now residing in Conway, spoke on behalf of the Clinton School Online (CSO) cohort. She highlighted the resilience of her fellow students, many of whom balanced high-level careers and family lives while pursuing their degrees.
In a poignant moment, DeLaney shared a story from her youth in Hot Springs. After being told she lacked the experience to find work at age 16, she wrote to then-Governor Bill Clinton, who personally helped her and her cousin secure positions.
“That moment taught me something that I have carried with me to this day,” DeLaney said. “Having an opportunity can change everything. Sometimes, it only takes one person to open a door. I will always credit President Clinton for opening that door for us at such an important moment in our young lives.”
DeLaney concluded her remarks by urging her classmates to be advocates for “those who are too often overlooked: the marginalized, the underserved, and the unheard populations.”
“Let us be the ones who open doors,” DeLaney said. “Let us be the ones who create opportunities, and let us be the ones who never forget why we chose this path in the first place.”
Following graduation, DeLaney intends to combine her real estate experience with public policy to advocate for affordable housing in Arkansas.
Both speakers took time to acknowledge the support systems that made their graduation possible, including faculty, families, and friends. While Tilley and DeLaney represented different learning models, their speeches were united by the core themes of the Clinton School: grit, collaborative leadership, and a lifelong commitment to public service.