UNC Spring Commencement Speakers: A Historic List

Posted May 18, 2022
The spring commencement ceremony has been a time for reflection and celebration since UNC’s first commencement held in 1798. Commencement has traditionally included a featured speaker who provides insight and advice for graduating students. This list includes UNC-Chapel Hill’s featured spring commencement speakers from 1951-2022. (UNC.edu)

Related: Campus Connections

Rick Dees - UNC alum, legendary radio DJ, and singer - turns 76
Rick Dees was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Greensboro, NC. He began his radio career in high school at a Greensboro radio station...
Sun Apr 26, 2026

From a Dirt Road to a Destination: A History of Franklin Street
In Chapel Hill, Franklin Street has been the main thoroughfare for decades and a must-see destination. When residents welcome guests to town, they take them...
Fri Apr 24, 2026

Carolina is calling Eric Church home
Country music superstar Eric Church has traveled the world performing songs for millions of fans. Through it all, one thing kept him connected to North...
Thu Apr 23, 2026

UNC earns top national rankings for graduate education
Numerous UNC graduate programs received high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list, with 20 placing among the top 10...
Wed Apr 22, 2026