CELEBRITY NEWS

Celebrities' words of wisdom

Annette Bening speaks at Mesa College.

(PEOPLE) -- 'Tis the season, once again, for celebrity commencement speakers. Goldie Hawn took to the podium at American University, telling students, "A baby smiles an average of 72 times a day. Some people wonder where it goes as we grow up."

The indefatigable Bill Cosby spoke at eight different colleges, urging students to "just listen and hear" what family and friends are thinking. You could spend four years and $100,000 to hear what the famous have to say -- or you can follow us through this gallery and read our condensed guide to commencement wisdom.

"From one creative person to another, please, go out into this world and help people. ... Appreciate the finer things in this life. ... In doing so, you will help them to better understand themselves. ... That is a creative person's calling."

-- Alec Baldwin, Fashion Institute of Technology

"Life isn't always easy. It isn't always glamorous. And you don't always find that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But life depends on you to make each moment a positive moment, each productive moment a learned moment."

-- Ray Charles, Albany (GA.) State University

MORE STORIES PEOPLE COVER STORY: Carnie Wilson had a new round of surgery, losing the last of her old body and gaining a new attitude  More celebrity graduation speech pictures on PEOPLE.COM    RESOURCES PEOPLE.COM PROFILE: Get to know Annette Bening    E-MAIL Want more from PEOPLE.COM? Sign up  for free e-mails

"We are going to get older, but what counts is: As we age, are we better?. . . Facial stuff? It falls -- that's why they have Botox commercials, honey."

-- Whoopi Goldberg, Wellesley College

"While you are continuing to walk down that sometimes bumpy road of life, develop the art of laughter and joy. Keep in your backpack of treasures the whole you, the best you. The you that won't fear failure, because lessons learned are the best way to grow."

-- Goldie Hawn, American University

"Don't let yourself wonder what might have been. ... Think big ... for those in places of the world who are not allowed the luxury of dreaming."

-- Emily Procter, Peace College

"You have to realize that you're role models ... and it doesn't stop at this point, it is just beginning. ... You continue to educate yourself about the world, and also to help others ... and always represent yourself, and when you do that you represent Howard and your family and where you come from."

-- Venus Williams, Howard University

"I've reduced all of my advice to one thing: ... Listen to your inner voice. You know what is right."

-- Henry Winkler, Austin College

"My message to those of you who may doubt yourselves is the following: There's no excuse worse than, 'Well, I went, but I was so nervous I blew it.' Why go? . . . Each and every time you go for it, make sure you take yourself, because that's who they asked to see."

-- Bill Cosby, Julliard

"It is only your vision, your voice, your clarity that can make the world -- your community -- a better place, a healthier place, a safer place ... I am here today to remind you, as a way of reminding myself, that it is imperative that we not become cynical, that we not lose heart, that we not lose faith."

-- Danny Glover, Cornell University

"Only you can articulate the distance you are willing to travel to become the you you want to be at 75."

-- Sidney Poitier, Claremont (CA.) McKenna College

(Singing) "In this city of dreams, you gave me my wings/ For everything that I am/ I know I owe it to you/ Forever N.Y.U."

-- Neil Diamond, New York University

"When you have work you love, working hard and too many days a week for too many hours goes from being a grind to a lifetime where there is unlimited opportunity."

-- Annette Bening, Mesa College