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What are the characteristics of a Commencement / Convocation Speaker?
For over 44 years, American Program Bureau (APB) has been planning commencement activities and providing keynote speakers to colleges, universities and secondary schools nationwide. We know, firsthand, the importance of selecting an intelligent, interesting voice to deliver an inspiring message on such a momentous occasion. Not only is the content important, but we know colleges and universities seek someone who will add prestige to the ceremony and draw recognition to the educational values and goals of the institution. A commencement speaker is about finding more than a "name"– it’s about finding someone whose message aligns with the mission of your school and whose words touch and encourage the graduating class as they leave campus and take their next steps.
At APB, we have developed an entire listing of experienced and highly recommended commencement speakers to help make your day a success. Whether you’re looking for a world leader to impart a message of unity, a business mogul to share a personal story of triumph and perseverance, or an author with insight into the looming “what now?” question every graduating student faces, at APB we have speakers to cover it all.
Featured Speakers: Commencement / Convocations
APB’s top commencement and convocation speakers focus on providing engaging and memorable experiences including the inspiring founder of Monster.com, Jeff Taylor, Chair of the Board at the United Way, Johnetta Cole, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Desmond Tutu, and celebrated New York Times columnist and best-selling author, Nicholas Kristof, our commencement speakers will inspire and motivate your class on this very momentous occasion.
Commencement / Convocations: Being Positive
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Jeff Taylor
Founder of Monster.com & Eons.comAs founder of Monster and Eons, Jeff Taylor is recognized as an innovator and visionary business leader in the Internet and careers industries. As an inspirational and enthusiastic keynote speaker, Taylor zeroes in on what lies ahead by drawing on his experience as a big picture entrepreneur and expert at technology, advertising, and human capital. Sensing economic upheaval, changing global employment, and the shift from commerce to people, networking, and consumers that Web 2.0 has created, he advises businesses on how they can break away from the competition by adopting a new mindset, and getting in early with social networking.
Request Speaker's Availability & Fee Commencement / Convocations: Civic Engagement
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Johnnetta Cole
Pres. Emeritus, Bennett College / Former Chair, United WayOne of the most powerful well-regarded African American women in the US, Johnnetta B. Cole has a way with making history. As the first female African American President of Spelman College, the first woman ever elected to the Board of Coca-Cola Enterprises, and the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Board of United Way of America, she has become a sought-after and respected keynote, motivational, and diversity speaker.
Request Speaker's Availability & Fee Commencement / Convocations: Finding Your Passion
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Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Human Rights Activist / Nobel LaureateA Nobel Peace Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu served as South Africa's voice of conscience during its long struggle against apartheid, soothing the spirits and rallying the hearts of his people as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As a highly regarded and inspirational keynote speaker, he continues to speak out for the causes of justice, peace, and reconciliation throughout the world.
Request Speaker's Availability & Fee Commencement / Convocations: Global Activism
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Nicholas Kristof
Pulitzer Prize-Winning New York Times ColumnistA Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, Kristof is an extraordinary thinker, human rights advocate, and astute chronicler of humanity. As a seasoned journalist who has traveled China, Africa, India, and South Asia, he offers a compassionate glimpse into such issues as global health, poverty and gender in the developing world. He is the co-author of China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of a Rising Power, and the recently released Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.
Request Speaker's Availability & Fee
Need help finding a speaker?
APB's Program Consultants will offer custom speaker recommendations specifically tailored for your event. Submit a request for more information OR call 800.225.4575 to discuss your event needs today!