US singer Taylor Swift delivers the commencement address to New Yor University graduates, in New York on May 18, 2022. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
From Hollywood stars to political leaders, a wide array of high-profile figures will take the stage at college commencements across the country in 2026.
Here's who will deliver the addresses:
Conan O’Brien
Comedian, writer, and television host Conan O’Brien will deliver the principal address at Harvard University’s 375th Commencement ceremony on May 28, the university announced.
O’Brien, a Brookline native and member of Harvard’s Class of 1985, is a former president of the Harvard Lampoon, where he served two terms. He graduated with a degree in History and Literature.
Years after his time on campus, O’Brien recalled a moment when a fan presented him with a photocopy of his undergraduate thesis—titled "Literary Progeria in the Works of William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor"—just minutes before a performance. Reflecting on the encounter, he joked, "I knew then it was time to die."
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Sarah Jessica Parker
Actor, producer, and entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker will deliver the commencement address to Northwestern University’s Class of 2026 at the school’s 168th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 14.
The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago and is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Parker will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree during the ceremony.
Debbie Allen
Actress, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen will deliver the keynote address at Clark Atlanta University’s 2026 commencement ceremony, the university announced.
The ceremony, marking the institution’s 37th commencement, is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at 10 a.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center.
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Eric Church
Country music star and longtime Tar Heel fan Eric Church will deliver the keynote address at the University of North Carolina’s 2026 spring commencement ceremony.
The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 9, 2026, at Kenan Stadium.
Colman Domingo
Actor and Temple University alumnus Colman Domingo will deliver the keynote address at Temple’s 2026 commencement ceremony May 6, the university announced Thursday.
A Philadelphia native, Domingo enrolled at Temple in 1987 as a journalism major before leaving in 1991 to pursue an acting career in San Francisco. He has earned two Academy Award nominations for best actor in a leading role and won an Emmy Award in 2022 for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for his role in "Euphoria."
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Misty Copeland
Ballet dancer, author and founder Misty Copeland will deliver the commencement address at Wake Forest University on Monday, May 18.
Copeland, who became the first Black woman to be named a principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, will speak at the ceremony on Hearn Plaza, which is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
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Queen Latifah
Entertainer and entrepreneur Queen Latifah will deliver the keynote address at North Carolina A&T State University’s spring 2026 commencement ceremony, university officials announced.
Hugh Jackman
Actor, producer and philanthropist Hugh Jackman will deliver the commencement address to Ball State University’s Class of 2026 at the school’s spring ceremony.
Jackman will also receive an honorary doctor of arts degree. He is known for his role as Wolverine in several Marvel films and for starring in "The Greatest Showman," and has appeared on Broadway in productions including "The Boy from Oz" and a revival of "The Music Man."
Nancy Pelosi
Notre Dame de Namur University announced that Nancy Pelosi, speaker emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver the commencement address at the university’s May 2, 2026, ceremony.
Henry Winkler
Award-winning actor, producer, director, and author Henry Winkler will deliver the keynote address at Emerson College’s 2026 Commencement ceremony. Winkler, an Emerson alumnus from the Class of 1967 and recipient of an honorary doctorate in 1978, is set to speak to graduates on Saturday, May 9 at the Wang Theatre in Boston.
The Source: The information in this story is based on official announcements from universities about their 2026 commencement ceremonies, including speaker selections, event dates and locations. This story was reported from Los Angeles.