Student Speakers
Make a lasting impression on the Stern community… Be a Student Speaker!
We are delighted to host Stern’s Graduate Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 15, 2026 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. This year, two students from the graduating class will be invited to pre-record a speech that will be showcased on the Megatrons at MSG during the ceremony.
All students meeting graduation requirements for the May 2026 ceremony are eligible.
To be considered, students must submit the following items to the Graduate Convocation Speaker Selection Committee via a Google Form by 5pm ET on Monday, January 19:
- Full name, degree program, and Net ID
- Written copy of the full speech AND video file in .h264, .mp4, or .mov format of the 2-3 minute speech (length is non-negotiable) using a private Google Drive, YouTube, or Vimeo (see filming tips)*
- A signed digital copy of Stern’s Student Speaker Declaration of Originality and No Deviation Clause.
- Phone number where we can reach you
- At least six accompanying photo and/or video assets related to the content of your speech, which may be leveraged in the final, produced video (please note: up to 10 submissions are welcome!)
The committee will not evaluate initial submissions based on production quality. Selected student speakers will re-record their final speeches in an NYU studio.
Remarks and photos could touch on any number of themes but work best when universal ideas are brought to life and interwoven with your unique NYU Stern experience. Here are some idea starters:
- Only at Stern: describe your journey and how it’s uniquely Stern. For example:
- In what ways has the Stern community supported you?
- How does a Stern education inspire you to impact business and society?
- How has Stern equipped you with the skills to thrive in a global business world where the only constant you can count on is change itself? How did you demonstrate those skills while at Stern?
- How did Stern’s location in downtown NYC impact/elevate your b-school experience?
For more information, please attend one of two virtual information sessions. Attendance at an info session is not required.
Please visit www.stern.nyu.edu/graduation throughout the Spring semester for more information and updates.