At a spirited Commencement ceremony, Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and a three-time MIT alumna, urged the Class of 2026 to ‘run toward the hardest problems.’
Speaking at the OneMIT Ceremony, Su emphasized the value of tackling complex challenges: “Hard problems teach you what you’re capable of.”
A Culture of Innovation
MIT’s Commencement ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of its Class of 2026, with Su, a renowned business leader and former Intel engineer, as the featured speaker. As a trailblazer in the tech industry, Su brought her unique perspective on innovation and perseverance to the graduates.
Throughout her speech, Su highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks in pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Her words of encouragement resonated with the graduating class, who are poised to embark on their professional journeys in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
A Message for the Next Generation
Su’s message to the Class of 2026 was clear: don’t be afraid to tackle the most daunting challenges. By doing so, they will not only develop their skills and expertise but also discover the true extent of their abilities.
As the graduates look to the future, they will face numerous obstacles and uncertainties. But with Su’s words of wisdom ringing in their ears, they are better equipped to tackle the tough problems and make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
What This Means
Su’s advice is a reminder that the most significant growth and learning often occur when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zones. By embracing hard problems and challenging ourselves, we can develop a deeper understanding of our capabilities and achieve greater success in our pursuits.
For the Class of 2026, Su’s message is a call to action, urging them to seize opportunities and make a lasting impact in their fields. As they embark on their next chapters, they will carry her words of encouragement with them, inspiring them to tackle the toughest challenges and become leaders in their respective industries.



