DePaul University invites graduating students from the Class of 2023 to apply to speak at their respective June commencement ceremony. Students of all backgrounds, disciplines and degrees levels are encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates are able to weave together themes of the shared student experience, the lasting impact of the university’s Vincentian mission and the unprecedented time in which DePaul’s graduates are going out into the world.

Interested students must submit an application by 12 p.m. on Friday, March 31. Graduates must meet these criteria:

• Be eligible for graduation.
• Be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
• Commit to attend and participate fully in the student speaker rehearsal (May 12) and commencement ceremony (June 10 or 11).

The speech should be between three and five minutes long. Additional guidelines are listed online.

After applications close, a selection committee, composed of representatives from each college and the Student Government Association, will review submissions and select a student speaker for each ceremony. Applicants will be notified by April 12 with a decision.

Cap and Gown Ordering

As a reminder, students should order their regalia from Herff Jones, and the deadline to order a cap and gown is Wednesday, April 26.

Visit the commencement webpage for more information on all things commencement, or email commencement@depaul.edu with your questions.