Apply to be the Commencement Speaker or Artist
What is a Commencement Speaker?
The Commencement Speaker is a graduating student who opens the ceremony with a message to the graduates and ceremony guests. Commencement speakers often share stories about resiliency, community, culture, and education. The Commencement Speaker will have 2-4 minutes to offer their message.
The 2025 Commencement Speaker, Myshell Thomas, can be viewed on the video.
What is a Commencement Artist?
Complimenting the Commencement Speaker, the Commencement Artist is also a powerful part of the commencement ceremony. This graduating student has the power to set the tone for the celebration offering a message delivered in the form of art work, song, dance, music, or other performance art. The Commencement Artist will have 2-4 minutes to share their art.
The 2025 Commencement Artist, Marvin Saintrose (Poet), can be viewed on the video.
The 2023 Commencement Artist (Musician), Natalie Sumitra, can be viewed on the . Please note: This recording contains an audio error, but the live audio functioned properly for the audience to hear.
How do I Apply to be the Commencement Speaker and/ or Commencement Artist?
The Commencement Speaker application and the Commencement Artist application will open on Engage in Spring 2026.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline for the 2026 Commencement Speaker and Artist will be updated Spring 2026.
Who selects the Commencement Speaker and Artist?
A committee of students, faculty, and student services employees review all applications. All names and identifying information is redacted, which means that the committee will not know the identity of the applicant when reviewing the initial applications.
More information to come soon.
What happens if I am selected?
If you are selected to serve as the Commencement Speaker or Commencement Artist, you will have a team here to support you! You are invited to work with 美姬社区 faculty and staff who are prepared to help you craft your final draft. Sometimes, this means having someone simply offer minor feedback, or serve as an active listening participant for you to practice, or dialoguing with you about bringing your vision to life. We follow your lead and are here to offer whatever level of support you are interested in.
To allow time to prepare for closed captioning and/or translation of the commencement speech and commencement poetry, spoken word, or performance art, a final draft is due to the committee lead prior to the ceremony.
You will have time to practice on stage prior to the ceremony.
If selected, you will receive a free cap and gown to keep.
We will highlight you! This means that our Public Information Office would love to produce a story about you to celebrate you on our college鈥檚 website and social media. If selected, PIO will contact you for an interview.
Questions?
Please contact Colleen Maeder, Director of Student Services SAN, at cmaeder@miracosta.edu.
