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WATCH: Eric LeGrand Gets Standing Ovation at Rutgers Commencement
Former Governor Tom Kean also announced he would donate his fee for appearing as Commencement Speaker to a establish a fund for LeGrand and the graduating class.
Eric LeGrand fulfilled his personal goal of getting his degree from Rutgers University on Sunday. He also delivered a speech, and received a standing ovation.
LeGrand was a guest speaker during his commencement ceremony on Sunday. The former football player was paralyzed from the neck down following a collision during a game against Army in 2010.
His number 52 was retired last season, the first time in the University's history a football player's number was retired.
During his speech on Sunday, he told graduates "anything is truly possible in this world," and "Don't ever let someone tell you you can't do something," according to espn.com.
Former governor Tom Kean then asked that his entire $35,000 speaking fee be donated to establish a fund in honor of LeGrand and the entire graduating class.
Kean and LeGrand both spoke on Sunday. Kean was announced as a replacement for Condoleeza Rice, who withdrew from the engagement following protests from students over her involvement in the Iraq War.
Initially, LeGrand was identified as the Commencement Speaker, and a misunderstanding led to reports that the University withdrew that invitation in favor of Kean. Rutgers clarified later that same day that both would be speaking.
LeGrand's speech on Sunday earned a standing ovation, as seen in the Youtube clip attached to this post.
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