Be part of history!
If you are graduating this spring, you can apply to speak at the largest Commencement Ceremony in the University of Minnesota’s history.
Undergraduate Student
Conferral Ceremony
Saturday, May 13, 2023
1 p.m.
The University of Minnesota will select one speaker for the undergraduate ceremony, to address the graduates, faculty, and guests at Huntington Bank Stadium.
In the application, you will be asked why you are interested in this role and what your plans are for after graduation. You will also be asked to upload both a written sample of what your speech would include and a copy of your resume.
For the sample speech, you must limit your response to no more than 500 words. In general, you should address your own authentic college experiences. Given the wide range of fields of study at the University of Minnesota—arts, business, design, education, human service, science—the speech should resonate with the diverse experiences of all graduates of the University. Speeches must be relevant and timely to the audience, inspiring, and consistent with University's mission and values.
Complete the application form now! Applications are due by midnight on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
A campus-wide committee will review applications, invite finalists for an interview, and select the finalists for each ceremony by the end of April. University staff will also offer coaching to help finalists prepare to deliver this important address. Announcements will be made to the public after Monday, May 1.
If you have further questions about this process, contact commencement@umn.edu.
For more information, visit the University of Minnesota Commencement 2023 website.
