Are you graduating this May?
Are you an engaging speaker that has what it takes to represent your graduating class?
Then you should apply for the 2025 Commencement Student Speaker Competition!
We invite all undergraduate, MFA and Master’s Degree students eligible to graduate during December 2024 – August 2025, to participate in the Commencement Student Speaker Competition.
Two students will be selected to deliver one of the two student addresses at Columbia’s Commencement exercises on May 18. The committee will be looking for an engaging message that draws meaningful connections to your student experience yet resonates with your fellow graduates.
To be eligible:- You must be receiving a degree at the ceremony at which you wish to speak; and
- You must have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in your Columbia coursework through the fall 2024 semester.
To enter, the following items must be submitted:
- A brief personal statement setting out the reasons why you wish to speak on behalf of your fellow graduates and how your Columbia experience has shaped what you might want to say;
- A cover sheet listing: Your name, Major, MyColumbia ID, Phone number, Address, Email
- A current résumé;
- A video recording of you reading your proposed speech; and
- Two reference letters – at least one from a member of Columbia’s faculty or staff, the other from any individual of your choosing – who can comment on the reasons why you might make a compelling speaker.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. CDT on MONDAY, MARCH 31, 2025.