Authors, Athletes, Celebrities To Speak At 2025 College Commencements

In the past several weeks, several colleges and universities have announced the individuals who will serve as the main commencement speaker at their graduation ceremonies later this spring.

As in the past, famous authors, decorated athletes, and news-making celebrities are receiving invitations this year. Here are several of the more notable names that have been revealed so far.

Kenyon College has invited Jacqueline Woodson, the popular author of several books, including her memoir-in-verse “Brown Girl Dreaming,” which won the National Book Award in 2014, to address its graduates on May 17. Woodson also was a 2020 winner of one of the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius grants.”

In the college’s announcement, Kenyon President Julie Kornfeld said that Woodson had “transformed children’s and young adult literature. The diversity of her characters and the beauty of her language are breathtaking, and her ability to show slices of the real world — and everyone in it — is more valuable than ever.”

Northwestern University has chosen actor, comedian, TV star, and producer Steve Carell to be its speaker. Carell, whose daughter graduated from Northwestern and whose son is a current student there, will also be given an honoraray degree at the ceremony.

“I’m thrilled to be speaking at Northwestern’s commencement this year,” Carell said. “My speech’s theme will be ‘The Importance of Lowering Expectations,’ which for these graduates should start with my speech.”

Harvard University has invited Abraham Verghese, bestselling author and professor of medicine at Stanford University, to be the principal speaker at its 374th commencement on May 29.

“Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Abraham Verghese has followed his wide-ranging interests to carve a unique path distinguished by breathtaking creativity, outstanding achievement, and exemplary service and leadership,” said Harvard President Alan M. Garber in an announcement. “I count myself among his legion of admirers, and I cannot imagine a better individual to inspire the members of our Class of 2025 as they contemplate their futures.”

The New College of Florida has announced that attorney and Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz will deliver its 2025 commencement address on May 3rd.“New College is a place for bold ideas and fearless debate,” said New College President Richard Corcoran. “We are thrilled to welcome Alan Dershowitz to Sarasota for our 2025 Commencement.”

David Axelrod, political commentator, analyst and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama, will be the speaker for the University of Chicago’s 2025 Class Day ceremony on June 6.

The founding director of the university’s Institute of Politics, Axelrod, a 1976 University of Chicago graduate, said it was a “special honor to be invited to give the Class Day speech on the campus where I arrived a half-century ago and which has played an enormous and positive role in my life. I look forward to drawing on the lessons of my own journey in a way that might be useful to these graduates in these uniquely challenging and promising times.”

ESPN’s award-winning sports announcer and commentator Holly Rowe will address the graduates of the University of Utah on May 1. Rowe is an alum of the university, earning a degree in communication in 1991.

“We are proud to have Holly Rowe, one of the university’s best-known alums and one of my favorite ESPN journalists, serve as our 2025 Commencement speaker,” said University of Utah President Taylor Randall. “Holly has the unique life experience and an exciting job that will inspire our students to dream big.”

Nicholas Kristov will speak to Oregon State University’s graduates at their June 14 commencement. Kristof, a columnist for the New York Time, is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner.

“Nicholas Kristof’s extensive writing and television commentary on human rights, conflict, global health, education, rural communities and many other topics continue to inspire and motivate,” said Oregon State President Jayathi Murthy, in a news release. “We are delighted he will address OSU graduates as they begin their lives beyond OSU.”

MIT has turned to author, entrepreneur and YouTuber Hank Green to give its commencement address on May 29.

“Many of our students grew up captivated by the way Hank Green makes learning about complex science subjects accessible and fun — whether he’s describing climate change, electromagnetism, or the anatomy of a pelican,” said MIT President Sally Kornbluth in a news release. “Our students told us they wanted a Commencement speaker whose knowledge and insight are complemented by creativity, humor, and a sense of hope for the future. Hank and his endless curiosity more than fit the bill, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to join us in celebrating the Class of 2025.”

Stanford University has invited one of its alums, Katie Ledecky, to be its commencement speaker on June 15. Ledecky is a 14-time Olympic medalist, making her the most decorated U.S. female Olympian of all time. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Stanford in 2020. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden in 2024.

“Katie’s story reflects the spirit of Stanford. As a scholar, an athlete, a teammate, and a trailblazer, she models the power of staying curious and collaborative in pursuit of excellence,” said Stanford President Jonathan Levin. “Her accomplishments in the pool and beyond are a testament to her extraordinary drive and determination. She is an ideal speaker to encourage our graduates to redefine what is possible.”

Jarryd Wallace, a four-time Paralympian and winner of two bronze medals, will deliver the commencement address for University of Georgia undergraduates on May 9. Wallace attended UGA on a track scholarship, but severe complications from compartment syndrome ultimately resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Wallace, who graduated from UGA in 2019, is the CEO and founder of the RIVL Foundation, which focuses on prosthetic innovations and rehabilitative research for amputees.

Mia Hamm will return to her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to deliver the 2025 commencement address. Hamm, one of the world’s most famous soccer players, has won two Olympic gold medals and is also a two-time winner of Women’s World Cup while playing for the U.S team.

UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said the university was “elated” that Hamm would be addressing the graduates. “Not only does she have one of the most impressive soccer careers in history, but she has also used her platform to further women’s sports programs, strengthen bone marrow research and help families of patients following organ transplants. She’s a wonderful example of Carolina excellence, and we eagerly await the insights and advice she has for our graduates,” added Roberts.

Other prominent commencement speakers who’ve been recently announced include actress Jane Seymour at High Point University, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) at Albion College, Today show anchor Al Roker at Siena College, and Grammy-winning performer Usher at Emory University .

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