Microsoft Giant Becomes a Lumberjack

Bill Gates delivers commencement address to NAU graduates

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

Although he may not go to work with an axe, computer software and hardware giant Bill Gates will forevermore be known as a Lumberjack. The Microsoft co-founder delivered a rare commencement address at Northern Arizona University on Saturday, May 13 and received his honorary doctorate.

“I cannot wait to see how you will drive progress around the world,” Gates said to a Skydome full of excitement and regalia.

Now retired from his global company, Gates left college after three semesters at Harvard to start Microsoft with his friend, Paul Allen. He has given only two commencement addresses previously, one at Harvard University and the other at Stanford University.

“I believe more people should know about the tremendous value of an NAU education,” he said. “You are graduating from an institution that creates opportunity, fosters innovation and builds community, and it has prepared you to find solutions to some of the biggest problems facing us today.”

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