Schedule a
visit to HPU
Today!
Previous Graduation Speakers
2019 Commencement Ceremony: Dr. Michio Kaku
Kaku is a bestselling author and popularizer of science who regularly appears on BBC and the Discovery Channel. His Commencement address comes during a time when HPU’s science majors in biology, chemistry and physics are growing, and the new Wanek School of Natural Sciences is scheduled to open in August.
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2018 Commencement Ceremony: Josh Groban
Before he became the internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and actor that he is today, Josh Groban was afraid to sing in front of anyone, including his own parents. Today, he told more than 1,000 graduates, High Point University’s largest graduating class, and 10,000 guests in attendance that his fear propelled him to places of success. He charged the students to never back away from challenges and to always trust their instincts.
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2017 Commencement Ceremony: Wolf Blitzer
High Point University continued its tradition of bringing renowned thought leaders to campus by featuring Wolf Blitzer, CNN’s lead political anchor and anchor of “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer,” as the Commencement speaker on May 6, 2017.
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2016 Commencement Ceremony: Condoleeza Rice
High Point University welcomed 66th Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as their 2016 Commencement speaker.
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2015 Commencement Ceremony: Tom Brokaw
Distinguished journalist Tom Brokaw delivered an inspiring message to graduates receiving their degrees at High Point University’s 2015 Graduation Ceremony. Tom Brokaw is best known as the anchor and managing editor for “NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw.” The Huffington Post named him as one of the top Commencement speakers of 2015. (Running time: 6:31)
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2014 Commencement Ceremony: General Colin L. Powell
High Point University continues its tradition of bringing renowned thought leaders to campus by featuring General Colin L. Powell at the 2014 Commencement Ceremony (Running time: 25:11)
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2013 Commencement Ceremony: Steve Wozniak
Steve Wozniak shares insights on innovation and invention with High Point University’s largest graduating class. (Running time: 5:00)
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2012 Commencement Ceremony: Laura Bush
High Point University celebrated the 88th Commencement Ceremony on the Roberts Hall Lawn with former First Lady Laura Bush (Running time: 4:06).
View video highlights on YouTube | View photo highlights on Flickr
2011 Commencement Ceremony: Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong, 7-time winner of the Tour de France, Founder of the LiveStrong Cancer Support Foundation and bestselling author
2010 Commencement Ceremony: Muhtar Kent
Muhtar Kent, Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Kent joined The Coca- Cola Company in Atlanta in 1978 and has held a variety of marketing and operations roles throughout his career. (Running time: 25:51)
View video highlights on YouTube
2009 Commencement Ceremony: Buzz Aldrin
Buzz Aldrin, best known for his historic Apollo 11 moonwalk with Neil Armstrong occurring 40 years ago on July 20, 1969, has remained on the forefront of human space exploration since the monumental event – one that was witnessed by the largest worldwide television audience in history. (Running time: 28:55)
View video highlights on YouTube
2008 Commencement Ceremony: Clarence Thomas
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has become one of the most influential men in the country. He was appointed to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush in 1991. (Running time: 24:10)
View video highlights on YouTube
2007 Commencement Ceremony: Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby, the man many of the students watched during their childhood as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show, gave the commencement address. (Running time: 29:54)
View video highlights on YouTube
2006 Commencement Ceremony: Queen Noor
Queen Noor is a leading voice for the understanding of global issues, including peace and world conflict, social development, education, women and children’s welfare, environmental and architectural conservation and many others. (Running time: 17:11)
View video highlights on YouTube
2005 Commencement Ceremony: Rudy Giuliani
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani offered a thoughtful, rousing and sometimes humorous message to an eager crowd at Commencement 2005. (Running time: 31:14)
