Earlier this year, it was revealed that Columbia University alumnus Matthew Fox (Jack on Lost people!) was asked to do a keynote speech at this year’s Columbia University Class Day festivity. This being a Northeastern university, a small scandal broke out among the student population, with students arguing over whether a more decorated speaker could have been chosen. Fox having graduated with a degree in Economics from Columbia, playing on their varsity football team, being a talented photographer and last but not least, the star of one of the biggest television shows to hit the tubes in recent memory, didn’t seem to be successful enough for many students at one of the nation’s top-10 colleges.

But, Fox pulls it off, giving an amusing, slightly inspiring speech, even though he had to hunch over the podium due to the low microphone. He seemed to connect with the crowd and it’s hard to hear a ‘boo’ anywhere, even when he asks one of his most vocal critics to stand up, wave and say hello, in a nice sort of way.

Watch the speech after the jump, spoiler free!