Be the Student Speaker for Commencement
Mahalo nui for your interest in becoming a candidate for Student Speaker for the Commencement Ceremony! The person selected will represent the graduating students of the Spring Class of 2026 and will play a very important role in the Commencement Ceremony.
Click on the button below, download the blank pdf-fillable application, then complete all fields on the application form. The application must be emailed as an attachment to
Graduating undergraduate and graduate students who registered for graduation are eligible. In situations where selecting a speaker is closely competitive, finalists may be invited to audition in-person during the week following the application deadline. The selected speaker must be available to attend the in-person commencement ceremony and deliver their speech live.
If you have any questions, please contact
Details on the selection criteria and application process are provided below.
Selection Criteria
I. High Academic Achievement
The student must demonstrate academic achievement, as evidenced by a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from UH Hilo courses at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
II. University/Community Service
The student must have a record of meaningful University and/or community service.
III. Graduating Senior
The student must have applied for graduation and be graduating this semester as an undergraduate or graduate student.
IV. Public Communication Skills
The student must demonstrate the potential to communicate to a large audience on a graduation-related theme in a meaningful, clear, and an expressive manner.
V. Video Speech Recording
- Speeches should be approximately 3 minutes long.
- Speak as if you are addressing those assembled at the graduation ceremony itself.
- Make sure you are well illuminated; turn extra lights on.
- Position the camera at shoulder height or head height, on a tripod, shelf, or cabinet.
- Focus the lens to capture a few inches above your head to a few inches below your waist.
- Make sure to silence or minimize as much background noise as possible.
- Send as .mp4 format as an email attachment or share via Google Drive.
Application Process
Click on the button below, download the blank pdf-fillable application , then complete all fields on the application form. The application must be emailed as an attachment to
Late applications cannot be accepted.
- Applicants who meet all of the above criteria will be considered by the judges.
- Final selection by the judges will be based upon the student’s application and the attached sample speech video submitted. Both content and delivery will be considered (along with academic achievement and service in especially close competition).
- The student selected to be the Student Commencement Speaker will receive assistance from UH Hilo faculty in refining their speech and its delivery. The student selected must email the speech to the committee in a timely manner.