You Could Be This Year's Commencement Student Speaker

Graduating students are invited to apply to speak at the 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

We are seeking students who are excited to present a commencement address that conveys a message of inspiration and encouragement with their peers. The speaker will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights, and inspire fellow graduates to use the lessons learned at NLU to impact the world.

Speeches will be 5 – 7 minutes long or about 750 – 1,050 words. Selected students will be seated on the stage during the ceremony.

Qualifications

To be eligible, you must:

• Have submitted a graduation application for Spring 2026 Commencement and be approved for graduation.
• Be in good academic standing. Academic standing will be confirmed with the student’s academic dean.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate to a large audience in a meaningful, clear, and expressive manner.

Apply to Be a Student Speaker

Interested students are required to submit an application. Students can also be nominated by faculty, staff, and peers. Students who are selected to be semi-finalists will audition and provide a sample of their speech in front of the Student Speaker Committee. After the student speakers are selected, students must be available to meet for four coaching sessions before commencement.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Engagement at studentengagement@nl.edu.

As you step into the next chapter of your life, don’t forget the power you hold in your hands. Don’t forget the difference you can make. You are the ones who will encourage a shy child to speak up, who will inspire someone to believe in themselves, and who will spark the curiosity that leads to lifelong learning. You will be the ones to light fires in others—fires that will burn brightly for years to come.

Alma Grinston, Class of 2025