'A special place': Melinda French Gates delivers commencement speech as daughter Phoebe graduates from Stanford University

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA: Melinda French Gates is one proud mom!

The American philanthropist attended her daughter Phoebe Gates’ graduation ceremony and delivered the commencement speech at Stanford University.

The 21-year-old completed her Bachelor of Science in human biology on June 15, per Nylon.

“I knew I had to make it happen if I could, because I wanted to watch my mother deliver this year’s commencement speech as a graduate. I can’t think of a better ending!” Phoebe told the outlet.

Phoebe Gate shares candid moments from her graduation ceremony

Phoebe Gates shared some interesting photographs from her Standford University graduation ceremony, including one with his boyfriend Arthur Donald. 

"So grateful to have my parents by my side on this day," she captioned in her Nylon graduation diary.

Melinda talked about the old family association with Stanford University during her commencement speech, reported People.

"Stanford has always held a special place in my family’s heart. My dad, Ray French, received a scholarship to study mechanical engineering here in the 1960s. While he worked on his masters degree, my mother, Elaine French, supported them with her job at a bottled water company. On nights and weekends, she was my dad’s lab assistant," she shared.

Before adding, "Today, my mom and dad are back on campus for a very special occasion: To watch their granddaughter Phoebe graduate from the university that changed my Dad’s life." 

Melinda French Gates' family connection with Stanford University

Melinda French Gates, who shares daughter Phoebe with ex-husband Bill Gates also mentioned that her oldest daughter Jennifer, and her son-in-law Nayel Nassar also did their higher education on the same campus.

The 59-year-old talked about the importance of transition in one’s life, "For me, those included starting my career at Microsoft. Losing one of my best friends to cancer. Falling in love. Having children," she said.

"Starting my work on behalf of women and girls. Ending a marriage and partnership of almost 30 years. And, very recently, making a major career shift," she added.

“In each case, there was a moment when I felt like the big wave, terrified that life as I knew it was about to be over. But I always made it to the next day. So will you," Gates added.