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    McConaughey's UH Speech

    Matthew McConaughey expounds on 13 personal truths in disjointed yet poignant UH commencement speech

    Elizabeth Rhodes
    May 15, 2015 | 11:48 pm

    The University of Houston's celebrity commencement speaker, Matthew McConaughey, dropped more than a few jaws Friday night at TDECU Stadium. While the threat of stormy weather initially seemed like it would hinder enjoyment of the ceremony, the slight rain let up over the open stadium and allowed graduates, as well as their family and friends, to enjoy the moment by the time the event was underway.

    From the second McConaughey rose from his chair, it was beyond apparent that this wasn't going to be a "traditional" commencement speech, as the actor — dressed in a white button-down shirt and dark slacks — stepped from behind the podium and sat on a wooden stool at the front of the stage. He began by congratulating the 2015 graduating class before explaining how he decided to approach the rather daunting task of addressing the more than 4,000 graduates, most of whom are no older than 22.

    From the second McConaughey rose from his chair, it was beyond apparent that this wasn't going to be a "traditional" commencement speech.

    "Out o f respect for you and your efforts in getting your degree, I thought long and hard about what I could share with you tonight," he said. "I thought about what you would want, I thought about what you might need."

    It felt more like words coming from a wise older brother rather than an Academy Award-winner-cum-commencement speaker. McConaughey launched into a slightly convoluted 45-minute speech that was held together with 13 personal truths, each of which related to a story from his own life.

    These stories ran the gamut from his infamous nude bongo-playing incident and his experiences in a New Orleans voodoo shop to his friendship with Darrell Royal, the former football coach of McConaughey's alma mater, the University of Texas, and his first film role in Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused.

    (Note: He did say his character's famous line, "Alright, alright, alright," much to the delight of the younger crowd.)

    In all honesty, it felt a bit Rust Cohle a la True Detective at times as the speech seemed almost like a stream of consciousness with McConaughey making expansive statements like, "Too many options will make tyrants of us all." There were more than a few swear words in there, too.

    While it was a rather disjointed — albeit a poignant — speech, the message was an uplifting one and offered up the insight of a worldly man to a group comprised mostly of young adults. McConaughey finished with a summary of his personal truths wrapped up into a brief statement:

    "We have what I believe is heaven right here on earth," he said. "That’s the place where what we want is also just what we need.

    "So, while we’re here, let’s make it a place where we break a sweat, where we believe, where we enjoy the process of succeeding in the places and ways that we are fashioned to, where we don’t have to look over our shoulder because we’re too busy doing what we’re good at, voluntarily keeping our own counsel because we want to, traveling towards immortal finish lines, where we write our own book, overcome all our fears and make friends with ourselves. And that’s the place that I’m talking about.

    "Thank you. Good luck. Just keep living.”

    The Texas native made headlines in April when his $135,000 speaking fee was revealed. The money will go to his charity for empowering high school students, called the Just Keep Livin Foundation.

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    This Week's Hot Headlines

    Beyoncé-loved Houston brunch spot expands and more popular stories

    CultureMap Staff
    Dec 13, 2025 | 11:00 am
    Taste Kitchen + Bar chicken and waffles
    Courtesy of Taste Kitchen + Bar
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, beginning with new locations of hot brunch and burger spots. Plus, a Houston enclave is named the richest small town in Texas. Catch up on our most popular stories below, then plan your weekend via this guide.

    1. Beyoncé-loved Houston brunch spot sweetens Sugar Land with new location. One of Houston’s most successful brunch spots has come to Sugar Land. Taste Bar + Kitchen opened its second location on December 10, in the former Veritas Steak & Seafood space.

    2. Third location of Bun B's smash hit smash burger joint sets opening date. One of Houston’s most celebrated burger joints has arrived in Fort Bend County. Trill Burgers opened its new Missouri City location this week.

    3. Eclectic comfort food restaurant to shutter after 21 years in Houston. A staple of the Galleria-area dining scene will soon serve its last meal. Grand Lux Cafe will close January 24, 2026.

    Grand Lux Cafe beignets Grand Lux Cafe is known for its baked-to-order desserts. Grand Lux Cafe/Facebook

    4. Airbnb pledges over $1 million to improve Houston before World Cup. Roughly 30,000 people are expected to stay in Airbnb properties during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With that in mind, the company has pledged over $1 million to various improvement projects in Houston.

    5. This affluent Houston enclave is the richest small town in Texas. Affluent Houston neighbor Bellaire is cashing in as the richest small town in Texas for 2025, according to new study.

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