Apply to Become a Student Speaker

We invite undergraduate students to apply to be the Poole College Commencement Speaker for the Spring 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony by submitting an application here.

We invite Jenkins graduate students to apply to be the Poole College Commencement Speaker for the Spring 2026 Jenkins Commencement Ceremony by submitting an application here.

All applications must be submitted by: Monday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m.

Below are some questions to cover during your speech:

• What brought you and your classmates to this point?  
• What have you learned along the way? 
• How has your class embraced the Think and Do motto?  
• How have you grown? 
• And, most importantly, what’s next?  
• What should you and your fellow graduates be considering to stay entrepreneurial in your mindset and inclusive in your attitude, as you “commence” – move on to a new beginning?  

The committee will review the video submissions and select 1 student for the Jenkins Ceremony and 1 student for the Undergraduate ceremony.

The selected students will be notified after spring break and receive next steps.

Professional public speaking training before delivering the speech at Reynolds Coliseum.

If you have any questions, email the Poole Commencement Committee at: poole_graduation@ncsu.edu.