Student Speaker Auditions
Each year, graduating students have the opportunity to audition to address their classmates, friends, and family at Commencement. This opportunity is open to both Graduate and Undergraduate students who are eligible to attend this year’s Commencement ceremony. Students will apply by submitting a video audition delivering a draft of their remarks for the ceremony.
When drafting your speech, please consider the following:
- This moment is an opportunity to reflect on your experience at Northwestern while sharing
those thoughts with all graduates of the Class of 2025: including bachelor’s, master’s, and
doctoral degree recipients, and their guests at Commencement. - Past selected remarks have often demonstrated a heartfelt appreciation to the graduates’
family, friends, faculty, and staff who have supported and encouraged them during their years
at Northwestern. Remarks vary in style and may be humorous or employ anecdotes/
vignettes. We encourage you to genuinely showcase your individuality as you reflect on this
milestone moment of graduation. - We are looking for someone who represents the student body and can speak to the
significance of this ending/beginning, culminating their time at Northwestern. We are looking
for someone who represents the best attributes of this year’s graduates and is honest and
hopeful.
Applications for the 167th Commencement for the Class of 2025 will open on March 1, 2025, with all applications due March 31, 2025. One undergraduate and one graduate student each will be selected to speak at the ceremony. Two additional students, also undergraduate and graduate, will be selected as the alternate speakers. More information, including the link to apply, is available here for members of the Northwestern community.
Any additional questions can be directed to stephanie.marin@northwestern.edu.