Democratic presidential hopeful Beto O'Rourke cautioned the Class of 2019 at Dallas' Paul Quinn College on Saturday that years of civil and gender rights gains can be lost without constant vigilance.

"Not only is the work not done," O'Rourke told the 59 graduates of the historically black, faith-based college, "but the victories and the progress we've made can be squandered if we are not mindful of the opportunities we are given."

O'Rourke, this year's commencement speaker, made the remarks minutes after receiving an honorary degree from Michael Sorrell, president of the southern Dallas school.

The college's original purpose when it opened in 1872 was to educate freed slaves and their progeny, so O'Rourke and fellow honoree Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere were draped with the corresponding memorial hood over the traditional gown and beret.

The former El Paso congressman, one of over 20 Democrats seeking the presidential nomination, tapped familiar themes in his rapidly delivered, 10-minute address, expressing concerns about issues from climate change and voter disenfranchisement to pay disparity and a livable minimum wage.

Too many voters, he said, have been discouraged by the diminishing power of their votes and strict voter-identification laws enacted for that purpose.

"We understand what is happening, and it is not by accident," he said. "These changes have been ordained by those in power."

1 / 5Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke delivers the address at Paul Quinn College's 143rd commencement convocation on Saturday, May 4, 2019.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor) 2 / 5(From left) Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke (center) and Paul Quinn College president Michael Sorrell share a laugh after O'Rourke's commencement address at Paul Quinn College on Saturday, May 4, 2019.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor) 3 / 5Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke delivers his address at Paul Quinn College's 143rd commencement convocation on Saturday, May 4, 2019.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor) 4 / 5Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke (left) smiles as Paul Quinn College president Michael Sorrell introduces O'Rourke as commencement speaker on Saturday, May 4, 2019.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor) 5 / 5Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke (center) shakes the hand of co-valedictorian Lorenza Najera during Paul Quinn College's commencement convocation on Saturday, May 4, 2019. At the left is Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere.(Ben Torres / Special Contributor)

O'Rourke praised the school for its "We Over Me" philosophy and its status as the country's first urban "work college," where all students work on campus to reduce their post-graduation debt, regardless of need.

"This is the future of higher education in the United States of America," he said.

He earned applause praising environmental activists like former Paul Quinn student Dexter Evans, who, as part of a group calling itself "We Are Not Trash," fought against the city's plans to divert massive amounts of commercial waste to a landfill near the school in 2011.

"We must follow the example of Dexter Evans and everyone who's been standing up to do the right thing," he said. "It must become absolutely clear to every one of us that progress will not sustain itself, that history can roll in reverse and that no victory is final and the work is never finished."

Today's college students have a vital role to play given their youth, he said, fighting for the future while being mindful of the progress made in the past.

"We can take inspiration in those who came before us," he said, "but we can never take comfort in what they've done because we, too, must fight. ... So let's go out and do great things and do them together, truly living 'We over me.' "