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Other than his introductory comments that referenced specific places on Brigham Young University's campus or recent athletic accomplishments, Vice President Dick Cheney's commencement address Thursday was a repeat.
Cheney gave almost the exact same speech with the same jokes in the same order to the graduates from Auburn University in May 2005.
In 2005, Cheney said: "It was during the campaign in the year 2000, when then-Governor Bush of Texas called to ask if I would help him find a running mate to be his vice president. The lesson I want to share with you is this: If you ever get asked to head up an important search committee, say yes."
Cheney said the same thing on Thursday.
Back in 2005, the vice president also recalled his short tenure at one of the nation's most prestigious schools.
"My college experience, though, began at a place called Yale - but I didn't finish there. Actually, instead, I dropped out after a few semesters. Actually, dropped out isn't quite accurate. Was "asked to leave" would be more like it. Twice. And the second time around, they said, don't come back."
Cheney said the same thing on Thursday.
Said BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins: "Our graduates haven't heard any previous graduation speeches [by Cheney], and I'm sure they appreciated him bringing in the local elements about BYU."
Cheney said BYU graduates would always remember the Wilk (Wilkinson Center), the MARB, (Martin Building) and the HFAC (Harris Fine Arts Center.)
Following the pattern, equivalent locales at Auburn appear to be Samford Hall, the Concourse and Toomer's Corner.
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* Tribune reporter SHEENA MCFARLAND contributed to this article.