Former US Rep. Giffords tells Bard graduates their future 'shines bright'

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, retired space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly, background right, acknowledge the crowd after delivering the commencement address in two parts, during the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. Giffords also received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass) (The Associated Press)

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Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords leans forward as her husband, Mark Kelly, retired space shuttle commander, adjusts her mortarboard as they ride in the procession for the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. They delivered the commencement address, and Giffords received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass) (The Associated Press)

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords leans forward as her husband, retired space shuttle Commander Mark Kelly, adjusts her mortarboard as they ride in the procession for the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. They delivered the commencement address, and Giffords received an honorary degree. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass) (The Associated Press)

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords says the futures of today's college graduates "shines bright."

Giffords spoke only briefly Saturday at the Bard College commencement but urged the graduates to create, lead and innovate.

Giffords was among 13 people wounded in a January 2011 shooting outside a Tucson, Ariz., supermarket that left six others dead. The Democrat resigned from Congress a year later.

In her one minute, 20 second speech, the former congresswoman told the graduates they can start changing the world tomorrow. She urged them to "be bold, be courageous, be your best."

Giffords' husband joined her at the podium. Retired astronaut Mark Kelly talked about their new organization, Americans For Responsible Gun Control. He says its focus is to keep communities safer while protecting the Second Amendment.