Student Speaker Award

• Graduate (bachelor's or master's level) with a 3.70 GPA
• Graduate of the current graduating class (August 1, 2024 - June 1, 2025) who has submitted the graduation application
• Well-spoken and able to capture the celebration of this capstone event within the time allowed (three minutes)

Nominations may be made by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and those familiar with the nominee’s work.

Submit the Student Speaker Award application form along with the following:

• Biography (maximum 150 words)
• Professional resume
• Letter of recommendation from a faculty member or supervisor
• Text of the speech you would like to deliver at Commencement if you are selected
• Video on YouTube or Vimeo of your speech (maximum length of three minutes

All materials are to be submitted in one complete application. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

• The University Awards Committee reviews submissions
• Up to three finalists for each ceremony will be selected and may be contacted by the committee for follow-up questions
• The committee will select the graduate and undergraduate student speakers
• If selected, a final draft of your speech must be approved by the University Events team, who may provide edits for content and time

• Award recipients will be honored during Commencement weekend, and should we have an in-person celebration, one-night accommodations and individual travel expenses to attend Commencement will be paid for by the University
• Award recipients receive a Student Speaker Stole to wear during the ceremony
• Award recipients are required to attend Commencement to accept the award