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A commencement speaker in academic regalia stands at a podium with the University at Buffalo logo, delivering remarks. A UB banner hangs in the background, and floral arrangements and a ceremonial mace are visible in front of the podium.

2025 Commencement Student Speaker Nicia Bottini Morales ’25.

Student Speaker Selection Process & Application

All interested students are encouraged to apply to be our Student Speaker at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony!

To be eligible, students interested in delivering the commencement address must meet the below criteria:

  • Have completed, or be on track to complete, all requirements for graduation.
  • Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • Commit to attend and participate fully in the student speaker rehearsal (May 1st) and the commencement ceremony (May 18th). 
Student Speaker Application  click to apply

Student Speaker Selection Committee

  • Students TBD
  • Stephanie Mack (Staff)
  • Lisa Mueller (Staff)
  • Jorge Fabra Zamora (Faculty)
Learn more about serving on the selection committee  click to Learn more about serving on the selection committee

On This Page

Application Requirements and Expectations:

  • Your speech should be 3-5 minutes in length. Submitted by one person. No groups included.
  • Prepare a draft of your speech. Your draft doesn’t need to be in final form. It should, however, sufficiently convey the tone and content of your speech.
  • The student speaker will be chosen based on speech content and presentation skills. Content should be celebratory, respectful, and inspirational and should not include inflammatory, and/or derogatory comments.
  • Prepare a video of your speech demonstrating your presentation style.
  • Submit your application here. Please know that your submissions are private.

Please note, the University reserves the right to edit the selected student speaker content.

Criteria

The speaker will be evaluated based on:

  • Speech content (clarity, introduction, body, conclusion)
  • Presentation skills (tone, body language, eye contact, use of language)
  • Relatability of the content to your peers, faculty, family, friends and staff who may have supported you during your journey

Candidates who are invited as a finalist to audition should attend with a final version of their speech and be ready to give the speech as if presenting at the actual commencement ceremony.

Important Dates:

  • Deadline for Student Speaker Selection Committee Applications:
           February 20, 2026
  • Student Speaker Selection Committee Drawing *if needed*:
           February 24, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
  • Deadline for Student Speaker Applications:
          Wednesday, March 4 by 11:59 p.m.
  • Deadline for Student Selection Committee | Top 3 Candidates:
          Vote Deadline:  Friday, March 13 by 11:59 p.m.
  • Student Speaker Top 3 Live Auditions:
         Friday, March 27, 2026 at 12:15 p.m. (Courtroom)
  • Student Speaker Committee Deliberations:
         Friday, March 27, 2026 (immediately following auditions) (Courtroom)
  • Student Speaker Announcement:
          Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Student Speaker Rehearsal with Dean Mueller:
          Monday, May 4, 2026

Student Speaker Application

The application opens on Wednesday, February 4, and closes Wednesday, March 4.

Email any questions or concerns to: law-careers@buffalo.edu.