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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Jonathan Van Ness

Hair & Beauty Expert, Author, Television Personality; Known for Netflix's Emmy Award-Winning "Queer Eye"; Host of the "Getting Better" Podcast

Carson Kressley
(2 ratings)

TV Personality & Fashion Designer; Best Known for "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"

Erin Gruwell
(10 ratings)

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

Sean Astin
(19 ratings)

Actor, Director, Producer & Mental Health Advocate; National President of SAG-AFTRA

Hill Harper
(9 ratings)

Humanitarian, Award-Winning Actor, Bestselling Author & Entrepreneur

Oz Sanchez
(7 ratings)

Retired Marine; 7x Paracycling World Champion; 2x Paralympic Gold Medalist

Daymond John
(23 ratings)

Award-Winning Entrepreneur; "Shark Tank" Investor; Founder & CEO of FUBU; Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship

Coach Ken Carter
(10 ratings)

Coach, Educator, Author & Entrepreneur; Founder & Chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation; Inspiration for the Film "Coach Carter"

Haydn Shaw
(6 ratings)

Leadership Development Speaker; Change & Productivity Expert Specialized in Multi-Generational & Cross-Functional Roles

Angela Davis
(12 ratings)

Feminist, Social Activist, Professor & Writer

Amy Purdy
(1 rating)

Professional Para-Snowboarder & Three-Time Paralympic Medalist; NYT Bestselling Author, "On My Own Two Feet"; Contestant on Season 18 of "Dancing with the Stars"

Diana Nyad
(3 ratings)

World Champion Swimmer & First Person to Swim from Cuba to Florida; Author, Sports Journalist & Broadcaster; Co-Founder, BravaBody & EverWalk

Gary Sinise
(2 ratings)

Actor Known for "Forrest Gump"; Advocate for America's Servicemen & Women; Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation

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

Common
(1 rating)

Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist, Actor, Producer & Social Justice Activist

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
(10 ratings)

Presidential Professor at CUNY Graduate Center, BET News Correspondent, Human Rights Activist & Author

Shannon Miller
(9 ratings)

Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist; Cancer Survivor & CEO of Salto Health; Author and Broadcaster

Van Jones
(6 ratings)

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

Mindy Kaling
(1 rating)

Award-Winning Actor, Comedian, Writer, Director & Producer; Bestselling Author; Known for "The Office" & "The Mindy Project"

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour
(6 ratings)

America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot, Mindset & Peak Performance Leadership Consultant, Former Marine; Author of "Zero to Breakthrough: Accomplishing Goals That Matter”