PART ONE
Write a statement of interest in 250 words or less. Tell us why your university journey is compelling and how it is representative of your peers. Include the theme(s) of your proposed commencement address and any public speaking experience you have.
PART TWO
Draft a proposed speech that is
a. Provided in Microsoft Word
b. 750 words or less
c. Double-spaced
d. Numbered on each page
Good speeches have a strong theme and tell a compelling story. There should be something that
your fellow graduates, their guests, faculty, and alumni can relate to. Your speech should share
meaningful lessons learned during your academic journey with the university and inspire your audience
to pursue lifelong learning.
Graduation speeches typically have four parts:
1. Greetings to the university president and other speakers, faculty, and audience, including
heartfelt acknowledgement of family and friends who are watching.
2. The speaker’s university story and reflection on how it relates to the academic community
and our world at large.
3. Encouragement to peers, family, and friends to recognize the value of education and the
lessons the speaker has learned along the way (e.g., explaining that together, we can
change the world for good).
4. Closing call to action that urges your listeners to move forward.
You should seek to inspire, motivate, and encourage everyone watching; make your message
inclusive and relevant. Ideally, you want to show how your unique university experience translates
into something positive, exciting, and uplifting—all while remembering to thank the faculty, family,
and friends whose support made it all possible. You should reflect on the mission of the university (a mission to improve the lives of adult learners by operating as Maryland’s open university, serving working adults, military service-members, their families, and veterans across the United States, and around the world). And encourage everyone present to pursue lifelong learning.
Make your speech memorable by including specific examples that support and illustrate the
broader themes you are expressing. These examples are usually drawn from personal
experience and should be described in succinct detail. For example, one recent student speaker
illustrated her theme of perseverance by revealing that she had completed her degree despite
having suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her story was poignant and powerful.
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