Commencement Speakers

Inspiring Graduating Classes with Commencement Wisdom: Messages from Distinguished Speakers

List of Commencement Speakers

Commencement is an often anticipated ceremony where college graduates are awarded with their degree or diploma. For many students, commencement is a huge milestone in their academic or professional careers, and a time where they can celebrate all of their achievements at their institution. As graduates are ushered into the next chapter of their lives, an inspiring commencement speaker's message can stay with them for years after they hang up their cap and gown. These celebrities, business speakers, industry leaders, and successful alumni are accomplished keynote speakers who are a perfect addition to college graduation day.

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Colin Jost
(1 rating)

Actor, Comedian, & Writer at "Saturday Night Live" & "Weekend Update" Co-Anchor; Host, "Pop Culture Jeopardy"; Author, "A Very Punchable Face"

Van Jones
(6 ratings)

Emmy Award-Winning TV Host, Political Strategist & Producer; Civil Rights & Environmental Advocate; NYT Bestselling Author; CEO of REFORM Alliance

Rachael Denhollander
(2 ratings)

Lawyer & Advocate for Sexual Abuse Victims

Erin Brockovich
(13 ratings)

Famous Environmental Activist, TV Host, Consumer Advocate & Bestselling Author; Inspirational Empowerment Speaker on Triumph in the Face of Adversity

Tiffany Shlain
(2 ratings)

Founder of The Webby Awards; Emmy-Nominated Filmmaker, Bestselling Author, Internet Pioneer & Futurist

Erin Gruwell
(10 ratings)

Founder & Executive Director of the Freedom Writers Foundation; Education Reform Advocate

Tory Burch

Designer & CEO of Tory Burch; Founder of The Tory Burch Foundation

Issa Rae
(4 ratings)

Actress, Writer, Director & Producer Known for HBO's "Insecure" & "Awkward Black Girl"

Temple Grandin
(10 ratings)

World-Famous Animal Scientist, Autism Self-Advocate & Author of "Thinking in Pictures: My Life With Autism"

Brandi Chastain
(5 ratings)

Retired Professional Soccer Player, Two-Time FIFA Women's World Cup Champion & Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist; Co-Founder of BAWSI

Joe Torre

Legendary Baseball Player, Special Advisor to Major League Baseball, Chairman of the Safe at Home Foundation & Domestic Violence Awareness Advocate

Shonda Rhimes

Award-Winning Executive Producer, Screenwriter & Author; CEO of Shondaland

Bakari Sellers
(9 ratings)

Author, Attorney, Political Commentator, Health & Education Advocate; Youngest African American Elected Official in the U.S.

Laura Ling
(8 ratings)

Acclaimed Journalist Known for Being Detained in North Korea; Host of "E! Investigates;" Co-Author of "Somewhere Inside"

Kate McKinnon

Emmy Award-Winning Comedian & Former Cast Member of "Saturday Night Live" Known for "Ghostbusters" & "Barbie"

Forest Whitaker

Award-Winning Actor, Producer & Director; Best Known for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" & "The Last King of Scotland"; Founder of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative

Donald Glover

Award-Winning Actor, Comedian, Writer, Director Known for "Atlanta," "Community" & "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"; Grammy Award-Winning Musician Formerly Known as Childish Gambino

Simone Biles

Most Decorated Gymnast Ever & Record Holder for Most Gold Medals at a Single Olympic Games; Subject of Netflix's "Simone Biles Rising"

Angela Davis
(12 ratings)

Feminist, Social Activist, Professor & Writer

Gary Vaynerchuk
(9 ratings)

Entrepreneur, Business Futurist, Angel Investor; Trend Spotter in Culture & Technology; Co-Founder & CEO of VaynerMedia