Senior Keynote Commencement Speaker Selection Contest

The University has an established tradition of selecting a graduating senior to deliver a brief address at Commencement. This year there will be one ceremony which will be held at the Ford Center for all graduates on a date to be determined. One Senior Keynote Speaker will be selected through a competitive process as outlined below.

All graduating seniors in good standing at UE are eligible to be considered for the Senior Keynote. This year the Selection Committee is pleased to be able to include seniors from all three colleges, who are encouraged to submit speeches for consideration. To be considered, please complete the following requirements.

  • Submit the embedded form including name of faculty reference – see below
  • Upload the written draft of your Commencement speech - 1000 - 1500 words, or a duration of 10 minutes

A limited number of finalists will be asked to present their speeches before the Selection Committee. The final selections for the Senior Keynote Commencement Speaker will be announced at the University of Evansville Leadership Awards Program.

We encourage you to consider applying. More details on the Senior Keynote and other information you will need for graduation will be available during Commencement Central.

Applications and materials must be submitted on or before Friday, March 27, 2026. 

2026 Student Commencement Speaker Selection Committee

  • Kristina Groves, 2026 Committee Chair, Writing Center Director, Director of First Year Seminar
  • Alexa Ferguson, Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence
  • Megan McCombs, Sr. Director, Alumni and Engagement
  • Rania Mousa, Associate Professor, Accounting and Business Administration
  • Abby Murphy, Executive Administrator, Office of the President
  • Sara Petrosillo, Associate Professor, English
  • Jessica Snow, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
  • Ross Rider, Student Representative