News Summary
Atlanta is set to host a series of notable commencement ceremonies across various local colleges, featuring esteemed keynote speakers such as Taraji P. Henson, Usher, and Bishop T.D. Jakes. These events celebrate graduate achievements and promise a memorable experience for all attendees. With record numbers of graduates and a diverse lineup of influential figures, this graduation season is expected to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of students across the city.
Atlanta Colleges Prepare for Star-Studded Commencement Ceremonies Featuring High-Profile Keynote Speakers
As the vibrant city of Atlanta gears up for its annual graduation festivities, several esteemed local colleges are excited to announce their impressive commencement ceremonies showcasing a lineup of notable speakers. This year, the ceremonies promise to be particularly memorable, with various events set to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.
Spelman College
On May 18, Spelman College will mark a significant milestone by hosting its 138th commencement ceremony. The event will feature the acclaimed Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson as the keynote speaker. Adding to the occasion, Henson will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. This year, Spelman is proud to graduate a record-breaking 694 students.
Baccalaureate Address
The celebrations will kick off with the baccalaureate ceremony on May 17, where Dr. Thema Bryant, a prominent psychology professor at Pepperdine University, will take the stage to inspire the attendees at the Georgia International Convention Center, starting at 10 a.m..
Emory University
Emory University will join in the festivities, holding its 180th commencement on May 12 at 8:30 a.m.. The university is thrilled to welcome Grammy Award-winner Usher Raymond IV as the keynote speaker for the event. Usher will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony, adding a touch of star power to the day.
Morehouse College
On May 18 at 9 a.m., Morehouse College will hold its 141st commencement featuring renowned activist and philosopher Dr. Cornel West as the keynote speaker. Dr. West, like several of his fellow speakers, will be honored with an honorary doctorate of humane letters. This commencement serves as the culmination of a week-long celebration dedicated to graduates and milestone alumni anniversaries.
Morris Brown College
Meanwhile, Morris Brown College has exciting plans of its own, inviting influential spiritual leader Bishop T.D. Jakes to deliver the commencement address on May 17 at 2 p.m. The ceremony will be held at Saint Phillip AME Church, drawing attention from the community.
Clark Atlanta University
On May 18 at 10 a.m., Clark Atlanta University is set to host its commencement ceremony with the esteemed Dr. Dennis Kimbro as the keynote speaker, further enriching the lineup of influential figures shaping this year’s celebrations.
Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology has planned a series of four graduation ceremonies from May 1 to May 3, featuring various speakers set to inspire the class of 2023.
University of Georgia
On May 4 at 7:30 p.m., the University of Georgia will welcome Jarryd Wallace, a four-time Paralympian, to deliver the keynote address at Sanford Stadium. Wallace’s journey and achievements are sure to motivate the graduating class.
Georgia State University
As of now, Georgia State University has yet to announce its commencement speaker but anticipates joining the ranks of distinguished institutions celebrating their graduates.
With such an impressive lineup of speakers and ceremonies, this graduation season in Atlanta is poised to be an unforgettable experience for students, faculty, and attendees alike. Each event will undoubtedly shine a spotlight on the accomplishments and future aspirations of the talented graduates.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Taraji P. Henson Commencement Speech
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Atlanta Daily World: Cornel West Commencement Speaker
- Google Search: Commencement Ceremonies Atlanta
- Gwinnett Citizen: Georgia Gwinnett College Commencement
- Google Scholar: Commencement Speakers
- Grice Connect: Georgia Southern Commencement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Commencement
- AJC: Usher to Speak at Emory Commencement
- Google News: Commencement Speeches 2025
