Perugia, Italy, July 22, 2006

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

I would like to begin by telling you how deeply moved I was by yesterday’s ceremony, in which you conferred upon me an honorary doctorate. I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me.

Being here, in this city that opened my eyes and my heart to the world; in this Italy that I love so dearly, the spirit of whose language became such a part of me that it felt like a natural extension of myself, feels like stepping back in time to the 20‑year‑old woman I was when I attended this institution. It was here that I developed a passion for Italian literature, cinema, culture and—oh yes!—the food that has grown only stronger over the years.

This is the first time that I have been back to Perugia since my time here as a young student. As I look around, I cannot help but see in these young faces the promise of exciting lives that will one day have their own story to tell. As a graduate of this university, I encourage you to take full advantage of the unique experience offered by this institution that showed me the many gifts that Italy has given to universal culture.

As I look around, I realize what an incredible opportunity I had to learn about Etruscology in a place where the vestiges of the past are still so powerfully and beautifully etched into this modern landscape.

And now if you will permit me to speak briefly to the young women here today, you will find, as I quickly learned, that mastering Italian is the best defence against the repeated advances of charming young Italians.

I cannot tell you how many times I managed to thwart their efforts by steering the conversation to the major happenings on the international scene or to the archaeological wonders of the region, all in near‑perfect Italian. Well, I’ll let you be the judge of that.

I remember my determination to make the most of that amazing opportunity and the dedication with which I worked to perfect my knowledge of the Italian language, literature and culture. I’ll never forget the ordeal, and I’m choosing my words carefully here, of the oral exams. I must have lost five kilos preparing to be tested by the examiners, where I truly mastered the art of discourse . . . in Italian! What I lost in weight, I most certainly gained in knowledge and intellectual rigour.

For me, Perugia will forever be a place where cultures can come together and intermingle. I remember sitting in the quad, where the students always gathered, engaging in animated discussions with young people from Eastern Europe, Africa, South America and, of course, Canada. Friendships were formed that time and distance have not diminished. That was how I came to know Giovanna Gianni Bagnasco, back in those days, who is here with us today.

Together, we the alumni of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, through our hunger to learn and desire to master a new language, paved the way for another kind of globalization: that of fellowship and friendship. The kind of globalization that could serve as an example to communities around the world that so desperately need to believe in humanity. Open to others and celebrating life in all its forms.

We all have our mountains to climb. Mine came in the form of the Apennine Mountains across Umbria. It was here that I set out to conquer the world. It was here that I learned and saw so much of life, knowledge that I drew from years later as a journalist. Knowledge that still serves me today as governor general of Canada, where I am trying to encourage young people to dream big dreams and to see education as the best way to expand their horizons and make the most of the opportunities before them.

The impact that the University for Foreigners Perugia has had on my life is immeasurable. Which is why I am delighted that this institution, celebrating its 80^th anniversary, has opened its doors to more than two thousand Canadian students over the years. On their behalf and my own, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity you have given me to express our deepest gratitude. My hope is that more young people, for many years to come, will walk in the footsteps of the alumni here today.

Thank you.