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2010s Commencement Speakers

Commencement speakers dating from Fall 2019 back to Spring 2010 can be found here.

CeremonySpeaker Name and Speech Link (if available)Profession
Fall 2019Dr. William L. RoperInterim President, University of North Carolina
Spring 2019Virginia M. (Ginni) RomettyChairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, IBM
Fall 2018Dr. Christine Mann DardenNASA Engineer and Executive
Spring 2018Marian Wright EdelmanFounder and President, Children’s Defense Fund
Fall 2017Chancellor W. Randolph
Woodson
Chancellor, NC State University
Spring 2017Nancy McFarlaneMayor, City of Raleigh
Fall 2016Margaret SpellingsPresident, The University of North Carolina
Spring 2016Admiral Michelle HowardVice Chief of Naval Operations
Fall 2015Ambassador Karl Eikenberry United States Army [retired] and former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
Spring 2015France A. CórdovaDirector, National Science Foundation
Fall 2014Vivian HowardChef and Owner of the Chef & The Farmer and the Boiler Room Oyster Bar in Kinston, NC
Spring 2014David Ferriero Archivist of the United States and Head of the National Archives and Records Administration
Fall 2013Chancellor W. Randolph
Woodson
Chancellor, NC State University
Spring 2013Philip Freelon Founder and President of the Freelon Group
Fall 2012Dickson B. (Doc) HendleyFounder and President, Wine To Water
Spring 2012Philip Rivers Record-setting passer for NC State and Quarterback, NFL San Diego Chargers
Fall 2011Dr. Rajendra PachauriNobel Prize winner and world leader in the study of climate change
Spring 2011James E. Rogers President and CEO, Duke Energy
Fall 2010General Raymond T. Odierno Commander, United States Joint Forces Command
Spring 2010Charles P. Rose, Jr.Executive Editor and Anchor, “Charlie Rose” show

University Libraries Commencement Archives

Explore the historical timeline of NC State University Commencements on the University Libraries website.

President Alexander Q. Holladay and the first graduating class sit for a portrait, 1893.