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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LeVar Burton
(3 ratings)

Literacy Advocate, Author & Actor Known for "Roots," "Star Trek" & "Reading Rainbow"

Mark Cuban

Serial Entrepreneur, Investor & Co-Founder of Cost Plus Drugs; Former Shark on ABC's "Shark Tank"

Billie Jean King
(3 ratings)

Former World #1 Professional Tennis Player & Sports Icon; Advocate for Women's Equality

Van Jones
(6 ratings)

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

Daymond John
(20 ratings)

"Shark Tank" Investor; Founder & CEO of FUBU; Presidential Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship

Erin Brockovich
(13 ratings)

Famous Environmental Activist; Consumer Advocate & Bestselling Author; Groundwater Contamination Expert & Victim Advocate

Jonathan Van Ness

Hair & Beauty Expert, Author, Television Personality; Known for Netflix's "Queer Eye"

Sean Astin
(12 ratings)

Actor, Director, Producer & Mental Health Advocate; Known For "Lord of the Rings"

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

Sylvia Acevedo
(19 ratings)

Engineer, Rocket Scientist & Technology Leader; Early Childhood Education Advocate; Corporate Director at Qualcomm; Former CEO of Girl Scouts USA

John Mulaney
(1 rating)

Stand-Up Comedian & Former Writer for "Saturday Night Live"; Host of Netflix's "Everybody's Live"

Walter Robb
(1 rating)

Food Retail Expert & Food Access Advocate; Principal at Stonewall Robb Advisors; Former Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market

Shawn Achor
(8 ratings)

Harvard Professor, Happiness Researcher, Positive Psychology Expert, Author of "The Happiness Advantage" & "Big Potential"

Earvin “Magic” Johnson
(7 ratings)

Basketball Hall of Famer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist & Motivational Speaker

Viola Davis
(1 rating)

Academy Award-Winning Actress, Producer & New York Times Best-Selling Author

Common
(1 rating)

Award-Winning Artist, Actor, Producer, Musician & Writer

Diana Nyad
(3 ratings)

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

Sophia Amoruso

International Public Speaker, Founder & CEO of Nasty Gal, Author of "#GIRLBOSS"

Chelsea Handler

Comedian, Television Host, New York Times Best-Selling author & Advocate