commencement speaker

A Traditions Keeper medal is worn by a Chancellor's Aide at the Memorial Belltower for cap and gown photos.

Dec 2, 2025

Stanhope Kelly, Economic Leader and Alumnus, To Address 2025 Graduates

Forty-five years after earning his bachelor’s degree in business management at NC State, Kelly is returning to deliver the university’s fall commencement address.

Three NC State graduates stand side by side during the ceremony in Carter-Finley Stadium.

Apr 10, 2025

Daryl Caudle, Naval Commander and Alumnus, to Address 2025 Graduates

Forty years after earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at NC State, the Winston-Salem native is returning to deliver the university’s spring commencement address.

Two-time NC State alumna Rashida A. Hodge stands smiling wearing a red dress.

Nov 22, 2024

Global Innovator Rashida A. Hodge To Address 2024 Graduates

The two-time NC State alumna will deliver the commencement address to summer and fall graduates.

Spring 2024 commencement speaker Dr. David W.C. MacMillan

Apr 17, 2024

David MacMillan, Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Will Address Spring 2024 Graduates

Nobel Prize-winning chemist David W. C. MacMillan will deliver the spring 2024 commencement address.

Thomas Rosemond, a fall 2023 graduate earning his degree in fashion and textile management, stands outside of Wilson College of Textiles.

Dec 13, 2023

Thomas Rosemond: Woven Into Wilson

Once Thomas Rosemond set his sights on NC State, there was no plan B. He reflects on the community — and real-world experience — he gained in Wilson College of Textiles.

Student commencement speaker and transfer student Miracle Holder stands near a copper wolf statue.

Dec 13, 2023

Miracle Holder: No Brick Unturned

Student commencement speaker and transfer student Miracle Holder seized every opportunity when she joined the Wolfpack.

Debbie Antonelli will deliver NC State's fall 2023 commencement address.

Nov 16, 2023

Debbie Antonelli, Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer and Alumna, Will Address 2023 Graduates

Debbie Antonelli, a two-time Emmy Award-winning basketball analyst and NC State alumna, will deliver the fall commencement address on Dec. 16.

Apr 14, 2023

Anthony J. Cotton, Military Commander and Alumnus, Will Address 2023 Graduates

NC State will celebrate the class of 2023 during its spring commencement ceremony at PNC Arena on Saturday, May 6 at 9 a.m. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, the commander at United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and an NC State alumnus, will deliver the commencement address. During the ceremony, Chancellor Randy Woodson…

Graduates stand together and embrace each other during the commencement ceremony at PNC Arena.

Nov 14, 2022

USDA Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young To Deliver NC State Fall Commencement Address

Three-time NC State alumna Chavonda Jacobs-Young returns to deliver the commencement address to summer and fall graduates.

Students sing the Alma Mater at commencement

May 4, 2022

NC State to hold Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 7

North Carolina State University will confer degrees on more than 6,100 graduating students during its spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. in PNC Arena. Media coverage is invited. Credentialed media interested in attending should contact Mary Cole Pike at mcpike@ncsu.edu with any questions. NC State will confer 6,494 degrees during the ceremony,…

Mohamed Mansour standing in front of his desk in his office.

May 4, 2022

The Hard Times and Good Life of Mohamed Mansour

As an undergraduate in the 1960s, Mohamed Mansour struggled academically and financially. With the help of family, friends and supportive faculty, the young man went on to build one of Egypt's most successful businesses. Mansour shares his story at NC State's spring commencement ceremony.

Anna Jump, wearing her red graduation cap and gown, stands with her husband outside of Talley Student Union.

May 2, 2022

‘Dare to Dream,’ Student Speaker Tells Fellow Graduates

As the 2022 student commencement speaker, Anna Jump will encourage others to strive toward their goals and reach their dreams.

Mohamed L Mansour poses for a photo by a desk

Apr 22, 2022

Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Mohamed Mansour to Address Spring 2022 Graduates

An NC State alumnus, Mansour will deliver the commencement address to the class of 2022 on Saturday, May 7.

The Belltower on a fall afternoon. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Nov 23, 2021

Industry Leader Mark Templeton to Address Summer and Fall 2021 Graduates

The NC State alumnus and former CEO and director of Citrix Systems will speak to summer and fall 2021 graduates at the Dec. 14 ceremony.

Russell Wilson scrambles during a football game.

May 12, 2021

Wilson Returns a Winner

At NC State, Russell Wilson honed the athletic skills and commitment to service that would define his extraordinary life. The NFL superstar returns to Carter-Finley this week to speak at commencement.