Student Speaker

Are you interested in sharing your inspiring story and words of wisdom with your fellow graduates? Here’s your chance!

Participating in your commencement ceremony as a student speaker is a unique opportunity to represent your graduating class and share your insights at one of the most important moments in your academic journey.

We are excited to announce that student commencement speaker applications are open!

Commencement Ceremony Information

The 2026 Winter Commencement ceremony will be held Friday, December 11, 2026, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY, at 6 p.m.

Additional ceremony details are posted to the Ceremony Information page.

Ready to take the stage?

Complete the speaker application form by Sunday, November 8, 2026. A committee of faculty and staff will review applications and make final selections. The chosen speakers will be notified by Friday, November 13. You will need to use your SUNY Empire credentials to log into the application.

If selected, you will work with a member of our Academic Support team to refine your speech before submitting it to the Office of Student Engagement.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to studentlife@sunyempire.edu.

We look forward to hearing your voice!