Applications for May 2020 Commencement Student Speaker Now Open
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 3, 2020) — Following tradition, each of four University of Kentucky Commencement ceremonies in May will feature a selected student speaker to deliver a three- to five-minute address to the graduates in the Class of 2020. Applications for student speakers are being accepted now through Friday, March 27 at 5 p.m.
Students interested in applying must be receiving a degree from UK at one of the May Commencement ceremonies. Applicants must have contributed to the university through campus and community activities or through their chosen field of study. Additionally, candidates must show affirmation of public speaking ability and be willing to present their address to the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee. Interviews for finalists will be held April 1 and 2.
Application materials include a resume with detailed activities, work experience and accomplishments achieved during the applicant's study at UK. A summary of no more than three typed, double-spaced pages of the applicant's proposed speech and a completed online application are required.
Incomplete applications are unable to be considered by the selection committee. Documents are required to be submitted in PDF format with the applicant's first and last name.
Applications are available online at https://www.uky.edu/commencement/speaker.
UK Commencement ceremonies will be held at Rupp Arena.
Friday, May 8:
- 10 a.m.: College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, College of Communication and Information, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, College of Public Health
- 3 p.m.: Gatton College of Business and Economics, College of Fine Arts, College of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy
Saturday, May 9:
- 10 a.m.: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Design, College of Social Work
- 3 p.m.: College of Education, College of Engineering, College of Medicine - Basic Science Programs
For questions or more information concerning the student speaker application process, please contact Jessica Waters.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.