The College of Public Health and Health Professions invites graduating Master’s and Bachelor’s students from the Spring Class of 2026 to apply to be a student speaker at the 2026 Spring Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2026 in the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
Seize the chance to inspire your classmates and leave a lasting mark on graduation day! If you’re graduating in the Spring 2026 semester, we invite you to apply to be our commencement speaker. This is a unique opportunity to share your story, celebrate collective achievements and motivate your fellow graduates as you begin the next chapter together. Submit your application and help make our ceremony unforgettable.
If selected, you’ll collaborate with an experienced coach to craft and polish your graduation address, ensuring a memorable delivery. You’ll also participate in the college’s rehearsal on April 29 from 2–4 p.m., giving you the chance to practice your speech and get comfortable on stage ahead of the big day. During the ceremony, you’ll join the college’s esteemed platform party and enjoy exclusive access to the Center Court Club before the processional begins.
Requirements to apply
- Be eligible for graduation from the College of Public Health and Health Professions in the Spring 2026 semester
- Master’s or Bachelor’s graduate
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
Application instructions
To apply, please complete the form below and submit a 5-6 minute video of yourself including the following information by March 6:
- Introduction and a little bit about yourself (~30 seconds)
- Why you want to be this year’s student speaker (~30 seconds)
- Sample of your speech (~5 minutes)
Please note, we are not expecting the final version! We simply want to get a sense of your speaking style and what you would talk about.
Summary of dates
March 6: Application deadline
March 13: Speaker selected and notified
April 20: Final address due
April 29: Rehearsal at O’Connell Center
May 3: PHHP Recognition Ceremony