Graduate Student Speaker

A graduate student speaker will be selected to address the audience at both 2025 Commencement Ceremonies.

Eligibility

Graduate students who earned a graduate degree in autumn quarter or have submitted their degree request for winter, spring, or summer quarters during the current academic year are eligible.

Must be available to attend both Commencement Ceremonies on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.

Application Procedure

Eligible students who wish to apply should submit the following to uwbgrads@uw.edu by 5 p.m. PT on Friday, March 21, 2025:

  • A proposed written speech that is approximately 300 – 400 words (no longer than three minutes when spoken).
  • A personal statement no longer than one page, single spaced.

Criteria for Selection

A compelling speech will:

  • Speak to all 2025 graduating students from all schools.
  • Reflect on common educational experiences that appeal to a broad audience.
  • Share the value and impact of the educational experience at UW Bothell.
  • Celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 graduating class.
  • Seek to inspire the audience by emphasizing a positive and uplifting message.

A compelling personal statement will:

  • Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership.
  • Share scholarly achievements, awards, involvement in extracurricular or professional activities, and/or civic engagement.
  • Make a persuasive case as to why they should be selected to address the graduating class.

Review Committee

Applications are reviewed by the Ceremonies and Honors Advisory Committee, appointed by the chancellor. The committee uses an evaluation rubric based on the criteria above when reviewing each applicant’s materials. The committee selects three applicants to audition for the committee by delivering their prepared speech. The committee considers the overall quality of the speech and the applicant’s public speaking skills and recommends to the chancellor one graduate student applicant to be invited to speak at the 2025 Commencement Ceremonies.