Student Commencement Speaker Competition

The College is seeking up to two students to represent the Class of 2023 by delivering the student address at this year’s Commencement Ceremony. This is an exciting way to finish out your college journey and to add a leadership experience to your resume!

The competition is comprised of two parts: a written submission and a speech presentation. Both components will be reviewed by the Commencement Student Speaker Selection Committee, who will choose the winners based on a combination of the quality of the written submission and the delivery of the speech during an audition in front of the Selection Committee.

In addition to providing their remarks during the 2023 Commencement ceremony, each of the winners will receive a $100 prize. 

Theme

“How has your Cedar Crest College experience transformed and prepared you to make an uncertain world a better place?”

Eligibility 

• Any Cedar Crest College student who is eligible to graduate and will receive their degree in May 2023 can participate in the competition. This includes May 2022, August 2022, January 2023, May 2023, August 2023, and January 2024 graduates.  
• The speech must be original work, lasting a maximum of three minutes. 
• Grammar, writing style and spelling are important elements of the written submission.
• Topic relevancy, appropriateness of content, time, delivery, and creativity are important elements of the presentation.  

How to Enter

• All submissions should be uploaded HERE.
• Entries must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document or a PDF.  
• Font must be Calibri size 12. 
• An updated resume or CV must be included along with your speech.  If you do not have an updated resume/CV, please schedule an appointment with the Career Planning Center as soon as possible to create one.  
• Selected finalists must present their speeches in front of the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee. 
• The students selected as the winners must be willing to work with a faculty mentor as needed in preparation for delivery of the speech at their respective Commencement ceremony. 

Timeline

Questions about the Student Speaker Competition should be directed to Barb Deitrick, Assistant to the Provost, at bedeitri@cedarcrest.edu or 610-606-4637.