Graduation season is approaching, and commencement ceremonies at major US universities are being prepared in an orderly fashion.
Compared to previous years, this year's graduation season is especially lively. On one hand, universities are fully returning to large in-person ceremonies, maximizing the sense of ritual; on the other, one of the most anticipated parts—the lineup of commencement speakers—is gradually being revealed.
Typically, US universities invite representative figures from politics, business, or cultural and artistic circles to deliver a final lesson to graduates. It's both a sharing of life experiences and a symbol: the moment you step off campus, you truly engage in dialogue with the times.
So, which heavyweight speakers are worth watching in 2026? And what trends are emerging? Let's take a look!
From tech moguls to Hollywood stars, the Class of 2026 is truly spoiled! 🥺
CMU Drops a Bombshell, Universities Shine with Star Power
Carnegie Mellon University
Speaker: Jensen Huang (黄仁勋)
Source: CMU
If any school has gone all out this year, it has to be Carnegie Mellon University.
Jensen Huang, founder of NVIDIA and a key driving force behind the AI wave, will serve as the commencement speaker and be awarded an honorary doctorate.
Huang is no ordinary entrepreneur; he is one of the architects of AI infrastructure. Against the backdrop of AI thoroughly disrupting industry structures, this speech serves more as a reality check: you are not graduating into an old world, but a world that has just been rewritten.
Harvard University
Speaker: Conan O'Brien
Source: Harvard
Harvard's choice this year is very interesting. No politician, no CEO, but instead its own alumnus Conan O'Brien, the comedy legend renowned for his humor and communication skills.
Behind this is actually a clear trend: in an era of uncertainty, communication skills themselves are a core competency.
This speech might not be the grandest, but it's likely the most authentic.
Northwestern University
Speaker: Sarah Jessica Parker
Source: NWU
Sarah Jessica Parker, star of "Sex and the City," will give the commencement address at Northwestern University and receive an honorary doctorate.
Her career path, from actress to producer to cultural icon, is itself a textbook case of choice and identity.
Compared to technology or business, what she represents is a path of female expression and life choices.
Ball State University
Speaker: Hugh Jackman
Source: BSU
"Wolverine" Hugh Jackman will appear in the Midwest to deliver a speech to Ball State University graduates and receive an honorary Doctor of Arts degree.
From Broadway stages to Hollywood screens, he has traversed musical theater and film, one of the few actors to truly achieve multi-faceted development. His appearance on the commencement stage adds a rare sense of drama and inspiration to the ceremony.
Northeastern University
Speaker: Hilary Duff
Source: NEU
Hilary Duff, star of "Lizzie McGuire" and a childhood memory for many, will deliver the commencement speech at Northeastern University.
From Disney idol to actress, singer, and multiple roles in real life, her growth path is deeply relatable. For many graduates, this speech is not just an address, but more like a retrospective on youth and growth.
Emerson College
Speaker: Henry Winkler
Source: Emerson College
Henry Winkler, star of "Happy Days," will be the commencement speaker at Emerson College.
As one of the classic American TV figures, he has also long been involved in writing and charitable work off-screen. Taking the stage in Boston, his speech is expected to continue his signature warmth and humor.
Temple University
Speaker: Colman Domingo
Source: TU
Emmy Award winner and co-star of the film "Michael," Colman Domingo, will deliver the commencement address at Temple University and receive an honorary degree.
Notably, he once attended the university but did not complete his degree. Returning as a speaker adds a special layer of meaning to the ceremony.
Additionally, on May 24, he will receive another honorary degree at Swarthmore College's commencement.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Speaker: Eric Church
Source: UNC
Grammy-nominated country singer Eric Church will return to his home state of North Carolina to address graduates at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Speaking in his alma mater's state adds a layer of "returning to the beginning" significance.
Wake Forest University
Speaker: Misty Copeland
Source: WFU
Ballerina Misty Copeland will address the Wake Forest University commencement.
As the first African American principal dancer in the history of the American Ballet Theatre, she has not only broken barriers in the arts but also become a role model for countless young people. Her speeches are often not just about dance, but about perseverance and self-breakthrough.
Rice University
Speaker: John Green
Source: Rice
A best-selling author + YouTube creator, this cross-platform influence makes him one of the speakers who best understands young people.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Speaker: James Patterson
Source: UWM
As a best-selling author with more than 200 works, James Patterson's influence has long transcended literature itself, entering the core of business and content industries.
Commencement Speeches: From Authority to Connection
From AI moguls to Hollywood stars to best-selling authors, this year's commencement ceremonies are nothing short of star-studded.
Past commencement speeches focused on themes like persisting in dreams, changing the world, and becoming a better self.
Now, more and more speeches are discussing uncertainty, non-linear career paths, the impact of AI on industries, and how to survive amidst change.
Before, the protagonists were presidents, politicians, Nobel laureates; now, they are more often actors, creators, entrepreneurs, and even leading figures in the AI industry.
Essentially, commencement speeches are shifting from "lecture" to "dialogue."
Overall, mid-May is the peak period for commencement ceremonies, while schools in California concentrate in June.
East Coast schools tend to choose traditional lawns and campus settings for ceremonies, while the West Coast leans more towards stadiums and large venues.
A complete reference of US university commencement times and locations is as follows:
(*Specific times and locations are subject to the latest official information from the schools)
On the commencement stage stand celebrities, entrepreneurs, writers, and even those who changed the world.
But after stepping off the stage, it is every graduate themselves who will truly face the world.
This year's lineup is luxurious, but the message it conveys is simple: in this era, there are no standard answers.
And what you need to do is find your place amidst the changes.
Wishing all members of the Class of 2026 a happy graduation and an even more wonderful future!
