Aralia Education has compiled a list of 11 prestigious American universities and their commencement speakers for 2025. Let’s look at who will be taking the stage to deliver messages of wisdom, warmth, and motivation to this year’s graduating class.
1. Brown University: Allyson Felix
Commencement Date: May 24, 2025
Allyson Felix, one of the most distinguished track and field athletes in U.S. history and a five-time Olympic champion with 11 Olympic medals, is also a founder of the women’s athletic brand Saysh and a member of the International Olympic Committee. Felix’s achievements in athletics and her advocacy for maternal health reflect the university’s values of excellence and social responsibility.
2. Columbia University: Jodi Kantor
Commencement Date: May 20, 2025
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jodi Kantor of The New York Times—recognized for her groundbreaking reporting on Harvey Weinstein—returns to Columbia, where she graduated with honors in history in 1996. Her commitment to investigative journalism, social justice, and empowering marginalized voices aligns closely with Columbia’s values of truth-seeking, integrity, and impact-driven scholarship.
3. Cornell University: Misty Copeland
Commencement Date: May 22, 2025
Misty Copeland made history as the first African American female Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. She will deliver the Senior Convocation address. She is lauded for breaking barriers in classical ballet and advocating for greater diversity in the arts.
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4. Dartmouth College: Sandra Oh
Commencement Date: June 15, 2025
Sandra Oh, acclaimed for her performances in Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts. A Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner, she is celebrated for her groundbreaking roles and contributions to the entertainment industry.
5. Harvard University: Dr. Abraham Verghese
Commencement Date: May 29, 2025
Harvard has chosen Dr. Abraham Verghese, a Stanford professor, physician, and author, as its principal commencement speaker. Known for his emphasis on the humanistic aspects of medicine and for writing the bestselling novel, Verghese’s address is anticipated to resonate with themes of empathy and human connection in healthcare.
6. Johns Hopkins University: Sal Khan
Commencement Date: May 22, 2025
Salman Khan, founder of the nonprofit educational platform Khan Academy, is a trailblazer in accessible education. An MIT and Harvard Business School graduate, Khan’s platform now serves millions of students globally. His dedication to democratizing education and harnessing technology to close learning gaps reflects Johns Hopkins’ mission of innovation and global impact in education and public service.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Hank Green
Commencement Date: May 29, 2025
Hank Green is a pioneering digital educator and science communicator. He co-founded YouTube channels like SciShow and CrashCourse and has launched platforms supporting content creators like VidCon and Subbable.
8. Princeton University: Jerome Powell
Commencement Date: May 25, 2025
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a Princeton alumnus (Class of 1975), has decades of experience in law, finance, and public policy. He leads the U.S. central banking system and is a key figure shaping economic policy. His leadership during times of economic uncertainty and commitment to financial stability align with Princeton’s emphasis on service, ethics, and governance on a global scale.
9. Stanford University: Katie Ledecky
Commencement Date: June 15, 2025
With 14 Olympic medals (9 gold), Katie Ledecky is the most decorated female swimmer in history. A Stanford alumna, she graduated in 2020 with a degree in psychology and has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, leadership as an athlete-scholar, and commitment to inspiring the next generation reflect Stanford’s values of achievement, resilience, and service.
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10. University of Pennsylvania: Elizabeth Banks
Commencement Date: May 19, 2025
Elizabeth Banks, a 1996 graduate of UPenn, is a celebrated actress, producer, and director. Known for her roles in The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect series, she made her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2, which broke box office records for musical comedies.
11. Yale University: Jacinda Ardern
Commencement Date: May 18, 2025
Jacinda Ardern, the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017–2023), is globally respected for her empathetic and inclusive leadership style. Her term saw the nation through major events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and made significant strides in gender equity, notably achieving gender parity in government-appointed positions. She was also the second woman in history to give birth while serving as a national leader.
The Significance of Commencement Speakers in 2025
Reflecting Institutional Values
The selection of commencement speakers mirrors an institution’s identity and the qualities it seeks to instill in its graduates. By inviting individuals who have excelled in various fields, such as medicine, arts, sports, or activism, universities signal the diverse pathways to success and the importance of multifaceted excellence.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Commencement addresses offer graduates a final lesson, often encapsulating life experiences, challenges overcome, and wisdom gained. Speakers like Dr. Verghese offer narratives that inspire resilience, empathy, and the pursuit of one’s passions, serving as guiding lights for graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
Emphasizing Social Responsibility
The inclusion of speakers known for their advocacy and social contributions underscores the role of higher education in fostering civic engagement alongside academic excellence. Figures like Allyson Felix exemplify how professional success can be harmoniously blended with efforts to effect positive societal change.
The 2025 commencement speakers reflect a conscious effort by universities to present role models who embody a blend of professional achievement, personal integrity, and social consciousness. These selections are not merely about celebrating success but about inspiring graduates to pursue meaningful and impactful lives.
