Every year, universities across the globe invite esteemed figures to impart wisdom upon their graduating classes. We often see politicians, CEOs, and renowned academics gracing the commencement stage. But every now and then, a university throws a curveball, inviting a speaker from a less conventional background. These unexpected choices can lead to some of the most memorable and inspiring graduation speeches. Let's take a look back at some of the most unlikely college commencement speakers of the past.

The Entertainers Who Educated

While celebrities are no strangers to commencement stages, some choices stand out for their sheer unexpectedness or the unique perspective they brought.

• Kermit the Frog (Fictional, but impactful): While not a real person, the Muppet icon's invitation to deliver the commencement address for the University of Maryland (as explored in a previous blog) highlights the potential for non-traditional speakers to offer profound and relatable advice. Kermit's message of perseverance, embracing imperfections, and the importance of friendship resonates with graduates in a unique way.
• Amy Poehler (Harvard University, 2011): The comedic actress and writer brought her signature wit and humor to an Ivy League setting. Her speech was filled with practical advice wrapped in hilarious anecdotes, reminding graduates to "treat your career like a bad boyfriend" and to embrace the "yes, and" philosophy of improvisation in life.
• Conan O'Brien (Dartmouth College, 2011): The late-night talk show host delivered a famously funny and self-deprecating speech, sharing personal anecdotes about career setbacks and offering unconventional advice like "you cannot iron a shirt while wearing it." His humor, however, carried a deeper message about resilience and finding your own path after disappointment.
• Stephen Colbert (University of Virginia, 2013): Known for his satirical persona, Colbert's commencement address was surprisingly earnest and insightful. Speaking to the graduating class, he encouraged them to embrace uncertainty and to find joy in the journey, even when it's not what they expected.

The Accidental Gurus

Sometimes, the most unlikely speakers are those who haven't followed a traditional path to success or fame.

• Jonny Moseley (University of California, Berkeley, 2002): An Olympic gold medalist in freestyle skiing, Moseley was chosen despite not having graduated college himself at the time. This sparked some controversy, but his message about pursuing your passions and the dedication required to reach the top likely resonated with students who had worked hard to achieve their goals.
• Bill Oliverio (Harvard University Class Day, 2024): In a truly unconventional move, Harvard asked a beloved security guard from one of its residential houses to be a featured speaker. Oliverio's long-standing relationships with students offered a unique perspective on the university experience and the importance of community.

When Controversy Came to Campus

Not all unlikely speaker choices were met with universal praise. Some sparked debate and even protests.

• Minister Louis Farrakhan (Cheney University of Pennsylvania, 1982): The leader of the Nation of Islam's invitation was controversial due to his history of anti-Semitic remarks. This instance highlights the complexities universities face when choosing speakers and the potential for backlash from students and faculty.
• Barbara Bush (Wellesley College, 1990): The First Lady's selection as commencement speaker for a women's college drew protests from students who felt she wasn't a strong role model for career women, having dropped out of college to get married. Her speech, however, addressed their concerns directly, emphasizing the value of her chosen life path.

These examples demonstrate that the definition of a "fitting" commencement speaker is constantly evolving. While traditional figures certainly have valuable insights to share, inviting someone from an unexpected background can bring fresh perspectives, humor, and truly memorable moments to a graduation ceremony. These unlikely speakers often remind graduates that success comes in many forms and that wisdom can be found in the most unexpected places.

Who was your commencement speaker? Let us know in the comments!