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University Commencement

2020s Commencement Speakers

Commencement speakers dating from Fall 2025 back to Spring 2020 can be found here.

CeremonySpeaker NameProfession
Fall 2025Stanhope A. KellyDirector on Public and
Private Boards
Spring 2025Admiral Daryl L. CaudleCommander, United States Fleet Forces Command
Fall 2024Rashida A. HodgeCorporate Vice President, Data and AI Customer Success, Microsoft
Spring 2024Dr. David W. C. MacMillanNobel Prize-winning Chemist
Fall 2023Debbie AntonelliESPN and CBS College Basketball Analyst
Spring 2023General Anthony J. CottonCommander, United States Strategic Command
Fall 2022Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-YoungUSDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics
Spring 2022Mohamed L. MansourChairman, Mansour Group & ManCapital
Fall 2021Mark TempletonPresident and CEO, Citrix Systems [retired]
August 2021 *Cindy EckertFounder and CEO, The Pink Ceiling
Spring 2021 Russell WilsonSuper Bowl Champion and Quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks
Fall 2020 ^Christina Hammock KochNASA Astronaut
Spring 2020 +N/AN/A
* This in-person ceremony recognized graduates of the Class of 2020
^ This virtual ceremony recognized graduates of the Class of 2020
+ No ceremony due to COVID-19 pandemic

Commencement Programs

View commencement programs from 2020 to present.

Explore past programs

Commencement Student Speakers

View commencement student speakers from 2000 to present.

See student speakers

Honorary Degree Recipients

View honorary degree recipients from 1917 to present.

Browse honorary degrees

University Libraries Commencement Archives

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

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