Wittenberg University

Caroll Spinney (and Oscar the Grouch) appeared at Wittenberg University, a liberal arts college in Springfield, Ohio, on May 15, 2004, as the keynote speaker for the university’s 159th Commencement exercises. Spinney addressed the graduates in his speech, discussing the evolution of his characters and how their creation fulfilled his childhood dream. Oscar also took the podium alongside Spinney for a portion of the address. Spinney received an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the ceremony as well.

“You first have to dream and then believe in your dreams. You have to imagine the world the way you want it to be.”
—Caroll Spinney

“I should really get to be a doctor of philosophy, because my philosophy is 'always start each day with a smile'... that way you get it over with.”
—Oscar the Grouch

External Links

• Spinney's speech on YouTube (courtesy of the Greater Talent Speakers Bureau)