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We are seeking a graduating student of the Class of 2025 to serve as the student speaker as part of the Winter 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The selected student will be invited to speak on behalf of all graduates in a 3-4 minute speech. Any student who completes degree requirements in either summer or fall of 2025 and indicates their intention to graduate in fall 2025 through the MyUW Student Center is eligible, regardless of degree type, school, college, or major.
Your submission should reflect your unique path to UW–Madison, how you have been shaped by your time here on campus (what are some of the most impactful moments, what was a turning point, etc.), and what you hope to see yourself and your fellow classmates achieve in the coming years after graduation. Check out Class of 2024 graduate Sawyer Getschman’s speech to get a feel for what it would be like to be the student speaker.
If you are interested in being considered for this speaking opportunity, please complete your application by noon on Monday, November 3, 2025. No late applications will be considered. Senior class officers, along with representatives from the Chancellor’s Office and Office of Strategic Communication, will review all applications. If you have trouble submitting using the Google Form, please send all materials to commence@chancellor.wisc.edu.