Do you believe that you can inspire this year's graduates?

You can leave a legacy and apply to be the voice of your graduating class. One student speaker will address approximately 8,000 attendees at the OTC commencement ceremony.

Do you know a fellow student who would be a great speaker?
Encourage them to apply!

Back to Graduation

Qualifications

  • Applicant must be receiving a degree or certificate from OTC at the commencement ceremony.
  • Applicant must have contributed to OTC through campus and/or community activities and/or through their chosen field of study.
  • Applicant must demonstrate public speaking ability and be willing to present their address to the Commencement Committee, who will make final selection.

Guidelines

  • The selected speaker will deliver a 3-5 minute (approximately 500-750 words) address to this year’s graduates.
  • The deadline to submit an application for the 2023 ceremony is Friday, March 10, 2024. Finalists will present their speech to the Commencement Committee in late March and a student speaker will be selected by April 1.

Suggested Elements

Of Successful Student Commencement Speeches
  • A message that inspires, encourages, and reflects the vision and hopes of the graduates.
  • A compelling story that incorporates your OTC experience (i.e. volunteering, balancing work/school, involvement in community, overcoming hurdles, taking risks, a transcendent learning experience, etc.).
  • A message that is substantive, meaningful, entertaining, and suitable to the occasion.
  • How did someone else’s selflessness make you the person you are today? Tell the audience how you intend to pay it back or pay it forward.
  • Share your experience of not letting others define who you are. How you found your inner voice and success at OTC.
  • A clear and cohesive organization of ideas or messages.

Previous Commencement Ceremonies