DePaul University invites graduating students from the Class of 2025 to apply to be the student speaker at their respective June commencement ceremony.
It is an honor to be selected to present the student commencement address - to convey a message of inspiration and encouragement, share common experiences and insights, and inspire your fellow graduates to carry the DePaul tradition out into the world.
The deadline to apply to be this year's commencement student speaker is Thursday, February 27 at 11:59pm CST.
Eligibility Requirements
Graduating students interested in delivering the commencement address must meet these criteria:
- Be eligible for graduation (conferring Fall 2024 through Summer 2025).
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Commit to attend and participate fully in the in-person rehearsal (May 9) and the commencement ceremony (June 14 or 15).
Speech Guidelines
- Inclusivity: Ensure that your speech reflects the diverse experiences of all students attending the ceremony, including different colleges, majors, ages, and degree levels. If you are unsure about which colleges will be represented, please consult the ceremony schedule.
- Representation: Remember, your speech should represent and speak on behalf of the entire graduating class. It is not a valedictorian or award acceptance speech.
- Transformative Experience: Highlight the transformative nature of the educational journey at DePaul. Consider discussing aspects such as the Vincentian mission, our urban environment, and the impact of service learning.
- Personal Stories: When sharing personal stories, make sure to connect them to the broader DePaul student experience, allowing others to relate and engage.
- Uniqueness of Your Class: Reflect on what makes your graduating class distinct. Your speech should feel specific to DePaul and this particular moment in time, making it resonate with your audience.
Submission Process
Eligible and interested students are required to submit an
online application. This application must include a written draft and a video recording of you delivering your full commencement address. T
he address should be 3-4 minutes in length, which translates to approximately 400-500 words or 2 double-spaced, typed pages. Additional video submission details are on the application.
Selection Process
A selection committee comprised of representatives from each college and the Student Government Association will review entries and will select one student speaker for each of the six June commencement ceremonies. Applicants will be contacted in April with a decision. The selected speakers are expected to work with a coach to refine their speech and delivery.
The selection committee will consider the following when making their selection of student speakers:
- Clarity of ideas
- Appeal to a broad audience & common experiences of DePaul students
- Quality of speech content
- Length of presentation (appropriate word length)
- Extent to which the speech represents the mission and values of DePaul
- Speaker’s delivery – well prepared, engaging, vocal variety, animated delivery, stage presence
- Taking into account the above criterion the committee will also seek a diverse representation of DePaul students.
Timeline
- October 1: Commencement RSVP opens in Campus Connect
- January 2: Student speaker application opens
- February 27: Student speaker application closes (11:59 p.m.)
- March: Applications reviewed; academic and disciplinary record reviewed
- April 4: All applicants will be notified of committee decision
- April 30: Herff Jones Regalia ordering site closes
- May 9: In-person student speaker rehearsal
- June 14-15: Commencement ceremonies
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of University Events at commencement@depaul.edu.