This spring, Ohio State students experienced an unexpected twist: they weren’t invited to graduate from another university following the viral impact of an unconventional opening speech last year. The speaker expressed that he still feels the effects of the backlash from his 2024 speech.
In that notable address, he blended unconventional advice with quirky elements—think bizarre singing and even some magic tricks. This year, however, the speakers seem to have taken a different approach, suggesting audiences steer clear of niche topics that might not resonate widely.
“It’s best not to dive into something you’re personally passionate about if it doesn’t connect with a lot of people in their current life stage,” he explained.
Reflecting on his 2024 speech, which received quite the reaction—mixed laughter and even boos from a crowd of around 70,000—he revealed plans for this year’s event to be more spectacular, likening it to a halftime show with fireworks and marching bands.
“Especially considering those who couldn’t finish high school due to COVID, I really went all out,” he noted.
He added, “If I’m feeling this emotional impact, I can only imagine how others feel when they put their hearts into something and get harsh feedback.”
The media seems to interpret his experience in varied ways, but he’s urging everyone to view it from different perspectives. “I aimed to create a memorable event for everyone present that day,” he remarked.
The OSU alum doubled down on his unique message shared with the tens of thousands, particularly his insights on hallucinogens, which he defended. His bold comments about Bitcoin also stirred up strong reactions from the audience.
During a 17-minute segment, he described cryptocurrencies as “a highly misunderstood asset class” and encouraged graduates to keep an open mind. He also pointed out a significant rise in Bitcoin’s value since his speech, claiming it had exceeded that of the S&P 500 recently. “If you invested $100,000, you could’ve gained $60,000—now that’s something to think about,” he explained.
His presentation left quite an impression—he even sang snippets from “What’s Up” by the band 4 Non Blondes, which sparked mixed feelings among the attendees.
He had a light-hearted exchange with the OSU President, involving a few clever magic tricks, and promised his fellow alumni custom bracelets from his company, a pledge he still stands by.
Although his address might have seemed chaotic, he made requests as far back as his speech preparations—like leaving fireworks for the end and incorporating drum rolls during his magic tricks. This raised eyebrows among local media earlier in the year.
Pan acknowledged he might have crammed too much into that speech and noted a simpler, clearer message might have been more effective.
Right now, he’s not actively seeking to speak at another graduation. “Honestly, I think I’m still processing my last experience,” he admitted.
Nonetheless, when asked about advice for future speakers, he emphasized the importance of sharing “universal life lessons” that resonate with graduates.
“Aim to create a genuinely unique and unforgettable experience that influences as many people as possible in that stadium!”
