Andy Cohen Redefines Success for WashU Class of 2026

Emmy Award winner Andy Cohen stood before 3,400 graduates at Washington University and told them success isn't what they think it is.

The Bravo host and St. Louis native delivered the commencement speech on May 15, urging the Class of 2026 to redefine success beyond traditional measures of wealth and prestige. Cohen, who produces "The Real Housewives" franchise and hosts "Watch What Happens Live," shared his own winding path from CBS production assistant to entertainment mogul.

"Success is the thing you all graduate wanting. And today I want you to redefine what that means," Cohen told graduates gathered at historic Francis Olympic Field. "Success from today forward will instead come from knowing who you are, who your friends are and following your dreams."

Cohen admitted he wasn't even a WashU student himself. He attended Boston University while his grandmother, mother, uncles, and sister all graduated from the St. Louis university. "Was I too dumb to get into WashU? Perhaps I was," he joked. "But today, this airhead is walking away with an honorary degree from a university referred to as the 'Harvard of the Midwest.'"

The speech drew laughs as Cohen shared unlikely life lessons from "The Real Housewives" stars. Their ability to forgive, laugh at themselves, and own their mistakes keeps them successful, he explained. "Lean into it, and you stay in control."

Cohen recalled his early days working grueling hours as a CBS News production assistant in New York. The pay was low and sleep was scarce, but he loved every minute. "I was happy, though. And happiness is success," Cohen said. "I knew a lot of people who were making a lot more money than me, but none who were having half the fun that I was."

A decade later, Cohen helped launch hits like "Top Chef," "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," and "Project Runway" at Bravo. He's since earned 15 Emmy nominations and published five New York Times bestsellers.

But those achievements don't define his success, Cohen insisted. Building and keeping close community matters more. He told graduates how a random conversation about boxer shorts with his Boston University roommate sparked a lifelong friendship. That roommate's daughter was graduating in the crowd that day.

Why This Inspires

Cohen's message cuts through the pressure graduates face to land prestigious jobs or impress their peers. By celebrating happiness over salary and friendship over fame, he gives young adults permission to chase what genuinely fulfills them. His own career proves that following passion leads to success you can't predict or plan.

The ceremony also honored philanthropist Andrew Bursky, whose family foundation recently committed $200 million to WashU's public health school. Six others received honorary degrees alongside Cohen, including Broadway's Kwofe Coleman and Grammy winner Michael McDonald.

Cohen's parting wisdom was simple: take pressure off yourself and broaden what success means.