Massachusetts

Ex-FBI Director Robert Mueller Gives Commencement Address

Mueller spoke Monday to the graduating class at Tabor Academy

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller III gave the commencement address at a private school in Massachusetts on Monday, less than two weeks after his appointment as special counsel to oversee an investigation into possible connections between Russia and President Trump's 2016 election campaign.

Mueller was introduced to the graduating class at Tabor Academy, a private college preparatory school in Marion, by his granddaughter and senior, Campbell Donley.

Donley, who calls her grandfather 'Bubba', said Mueller was 'an awesome role model' growing up.

When he took the podium, Mueller reflected upon his career and said he never could have anticipated where he would have ended up in life.

"I consider myself fortunate for the number of opportunities I have been given over the years, both professionally and personally," said Mueller.

Mueller served as the FBI director from 2001 to 2013 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Early in his career, he worked as a federal prosecutor in Boston.

Over the past two weeks, Mueller has found himself at the epicenter of the Russia/Trump probe, which he is now in charge of investigating.

During his speech there was no mention of that investigation.

Instead, Mueller spoke about falling into a life of public service while quickly learning that honesty and integrity are the most important career values.

"Service, integrity, patience and humility. The lessons I speak of today our lessons not only for you but for all of us," Mueller told the graduates.

He also joked about the lessons in humility he got from an old friend and Justice Department assistant, who Mueller joked knew how to put him in his place.

He also told the graduates that he has been blessed by three families — his own and his Marine Corp and FBI families.

"For each of these families, I've learned a number of life's lessons. One such lesson is much of what you do impacts those around you, and in turn, those around you shape life in a number of ways," Mueller said.

Mueller did not have any press availability or take any questions following the commencement.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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