As graduation season quickly approaches, colleges and universities across the nation are putting in their bid to lock down some of the top entertainers, politicians, entrepreneurs and business executives to serve as 2015 commencement speakers at their institution.
[Related: 6 Inspiring Commencement Speeches by Women]
From Common to Denzel Washington and more, we’ve rounded up a list of Hollywood players and community leaders who will deliver a few words of wisdom to this year’s graduating scholars.
Mellody Hobson:
The University of Southern California has tapped Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson to serve as their 2015 commencement speaker.
Common:
Although Kean University cancelled Common as their graduation speaker, Winston-Salem University has chosen the Academy Award winner to deliver the commencement speech to this year’s graduating class.
Deval Patrick:
Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick will serve as the commencement speaker for both Harvard University and Morehouse College.
Condoleezza Rice:
Condoleezza Rice will serve as the commencement speaker at the College of William and Mary.
Bonnie St. John:
Paralympic skiing medalist and former White House official Bonnie St. John will speak to the 2015 graduating seniors at Miami University.
Denzel Washington:
Award-winning actor Denzel Washington will speak at Dillard University.
Colin Powell:
Colin Powell will deliver the commencement speech at Rice University.
John Lewis:
Congressman John Lewis will serve as Hampton University’s graduation speaker.