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Home Commencement Office Graduates Student Speaker Selection for Fall Commencement

Student Speaker Selection-We are are not accepting applications for student speakers at this time. Thank you for your interest.

Qualifications

  1. The applicant must be approved for graduation for the term.
  2. The applicant must have contributed to the University of Memphis through campus involvement, community outreach, or through his or her chosen field of study.
  3. The applicant must show evidence of demonstrated public speaking ability and be willing to present their speech to the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee, if selected for an interview.
  4. The applicant must have a 2.7 cumulative grade point average or higher. (Graduate Students: Competitive GPA will be considered).
  5. The applicant must be in good academic standing with the university.
  6. The applicant MUST indicate on the Step 4: Attendance/Non-Attendance Required Form that he or she IS attending the ceremony. 

If selected, the applicant will be asked to provide the following information:

  1. A compiled list of activities, work experience, and accomplishments achieved during their study at the University of Memphis.
  2. One letter of recommendation from a University of Memphis professor or staff.
  3. A 3 paragraph draft of what your speech will contain. The speech topic can be found below. If you are chosen as the Commencement speaker, your speech should be no longer than 3-5 minutes in length. Student Government will review all applications and this team, President, Provost and VP for Marketing and Communication will make final selection of speakers. 

• Speech Topic: College can be rewarding, but it does come with its challenges when obtaining a degree. What is an important take-away message you could provide to the entire, diverse, student body?