Imagine standing on stage during the George Washington University Commencement on the National Mall flanked by university administrators and faculty with the shadow of the monuments behind you and a crowd of 25,000 people in front of you.
This will be the view for one lucky GW student selected to be the 2016 Commencement student speaker.
All graduating undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to submit an application for the student speaker competition until Feb. 26. Applications should include a biography, a written speech and a YouTube or Vimeo video of a performance of the speech that is no longer than three minutes.
Following the application process, up to 10 students will be selected as semi-finalists to perform their speeches for a panel of select faculty and staff who will evaluate the speeches and choose a winner.
The student who is selected for the coveted role of student speaker will receive six tickets for reserved seating at the May 15 Commencement celebration and commemorative photos. The winner also will receive invitations to special Commencement weekend events and a photo with the Commencement speaker.
Past Commencement speakers include First Lady Michelle Obama, actress and alumna Kerry Washington, B.A. ’98, chef José Andrés and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Want more details?
Check out the story of 2015 student speaker U.S. Marine Capt. Richard Ruiz, M.A. ’15, and reflections from past student speakers.