Nominations are not intended solely for the current academic year and can be made at any time throughout the year. Given scheduling requirements, our Commencement speaker is frequently invited many months in advance.

It is a Penn tradition that University Commencement speakers attend the ceremony and address the graduates in person.

The Commencement speaker will receive a Penn honorary degree.

Final decisions for honorary degrees and University Commencement speaker are the responsibility of the Trustee Honorary Degrees Committee.

To nominate a candidate for Commencement speaker, please fill out the form below: