"Your is the generation that can save our souls," Gergen said in his conclusion.
After the speech, audience members had mixed feelings.
Most agreed with his emphasis on public service.
"He had some good words of wisdom about the family and public service," said Danielle R. Holley, a graduating law student. "It's a message I think most of us should hear before we graduate."
But some felt that his plea to return to the law of old was a bit off the mark.
"He said the profession has to go back, but I don't think it has to go back," said Leesa M. Eichner, another third-year law student, mentioning the all-white, all-male status of law in the past. "We need to adapt to the realities of life today."
Eichner's father, Martin Klepper, said though he agreed with his daughter, he wasn't surprised by Gergen's message.
"He's a conservative, and he gave a conservative speech," Klepper said. "What's wrong with all the wonderful changes that have occurred?"