2025 Commencement speaker
Tommy Evans ’99
Journalist
Celebrating voices of inspiration
Commencement speakers
From world leaders to groundbreaking scholars, journalists, and innovators, the University of Rochester has welcomed distinguished speakers to the Commencement stage. Explore the voices that have shared wisdom, insight, and Meliora spirit with Rochester graduates.
A tradition of remarkable voices
2024 Commencement speaker
Laura Carstensen ’78
Research Psychologist
2023 Commencement speaker
Josh Shapiro ’95
Pennsylvania Governor
2022 Commencement speaker
Lance Reddick
Actor
2019 Commencement speaker
Donna Strickland ’89 (PhD)
Nobel Prize-winning Physicist
2018 Commencement speaker
Margaret (Margo) H. Georgiadis
Chief Executive Officer, Ancestry
2017 Commencement speaker
Jimmie V. Reyna ’75
Federal Circuit Court Judge
2016 Commencement speaker
Erica Fee ’99
Theatre and Festival Producer
2015 Commencement speaker
Deborah Bial
Founder and President of The Posse Foundation
2014 Commencement speaker
Chris Matthews
Political News Commentator
2013 Commencement speaker
Steven Chu
Nobel Prize-winning Physicist
2012 Commencement speaker
Ruth Simmons
President of Brown University
2011 Commencement speaker
Ursula M. Burns
Chief Executive Officer, Xerox
2010 Commencement speaker
Daniel R. Wegman
Chief Executive Officer, Wegmans
2009 Commencement speaker
Louise M. Slaughter
U.S. House of Representatives
Explore Commencement archives
Dive into the history of Rochester’s Commencement ceremonies, including past speakers, honorary degrees, and memorable moments from years past.