Apply to Become a Student Speaker

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

All applications must be submitted by: Monday, November 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 to speak at the ceremony. 

All applicants will be notified mid-November via email with the committee’s decision. 

The selected student will complete a professional public speaking session with our talent coach before delivering the speech at Reynolds Coliseum.

If you have any questions, email the Poole Commencement Committee at: [email protected].