Commencement ceremonies across metro Atlanta are set to dazzle this year with notable figures gracing the stages as keynote speakers.
These events will highlight the achievements of thousands of graduating students from various colleges and universities in the region.
Speman College will kick off the star-studded lineup with Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson as the keynote speaker for its 138th commencement ceremony.
Henson, recognized for her roles in films such as “The Color Purple (2023)” and “Hidden Figures,” will also receive an honorary doctor of fine arts degree.
Spelman College Interim President Rosalind “Roz” Brewer expressed her excitement, noting Henson’s advocacy and empowerment efforts, making her a powerful role model for the graduating class.
The ceremony is slated for Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia International Convention Center, with Spelman graduating a record 694 students this year.
For the baccalaureate ceremony on Saturday, May 17, Dr. Thema Bryant, a psychology professor and author from Pepperdine University, will deliver a speech at 10 a.m.
Emory University is also pulling out all the stops for its 180th commencement, featuring Grammy Award-winner Usher Raymond IV as the keynote speaker.
Raymond, a celebrated musician known for his hit song “Yeah!”, will be awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony.
He expressed his eagerness to inspire graduates as they prepare to embark on their journeys into the world.
Additionally, honorary degrees will be conferred upon immunologist and geneticist Leonore Herzenberg and nursing leader Susan Hassmiller.
Emory’s commencement is set for 8:30 a.m. on Monday from the university’s Quadrangle.
Morehouse College will welcome activist Dr. Cornel West to deliver its commencement address on Sunday, May 18.
West’s address will conclude a week of events celebrating undergraduates and alumni, during which he will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
The 141st Morehouse commencement is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Century campus, located at 830 Westview Drive SW in Atlanta.
Morris Brown College has its own star in the lineup with Bishop T.D. Jakes as its commencement speaker.
Jakes, a renowned megachurch pastor, motivational speaker, and NAACP Image Award winner, is set to inspire graduates with his speech.
The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Saint Philip AME Church, located at 240 Candler Road SE in Atlanta.
Clarke-Atlanta University will feature bestselling author Dr. Dennis Kimbro as its keynote speaker.
The university’s commencement is planned for 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Georgia State University Convocation Center.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is scheduling four separate ceremonies featuring prominent figures.
Mark Becker, president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, will speak on May 1 at 5 p.m., followed by Christopher Klaus on May 2 at 9 a.m.
UPS CEO Carol Tome will address attendees at 3 p.m. the same day, and Andrea Laliberte, a retired executive from Coach, is set to speak at 9 a.m. on May 3.
The events will occur at McCamish Pavilion and Bobby Dodd Stadium, both located within Atlanta.
As these esteemed individuals prepare to share their insights and wisdom, the community can look forward to a year filled with inspiration and celebration for the graduates of metro Atlanta’s institutions.
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