UW–Madison Spring Commencement Speakers: A Legacy of Inspiration
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a tradition of inviting distinguished speakers to address graduating students at its spring commencement ceremonies. These individuals, representing diverse fields and accomplishments, share their wisdom and inspire the next generation of Badgers. Here’s a look back at recent speakers and some of the key messages they’ve delivered.
Recent Speakers and Their Messages
Class of 2025
Jason Gay ’92, sports and humor columnist for the Wall Street Journal, delivered the keynote address. He is a UW–Madison alumnus and known for his passionate support of Badger athletics.
Class of 2024
Meghan Duggan ’11, an Olympian and former Badger hockey player, addressed the graduates.
Class of 2023
Eric Holder Jr., former United States Attorney General, shared his insights with the graduating class.
Class of 2022
Linda Thomas-Greenfield MA’75, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, offered remarks to the graduates.
Class of 2021
André De Shields ’70, an actor, singer, dancer, director, and choreographer, inspired students with his message: “The sky is falling, and it’s falling into your hands. Now what does that mean? It means that you have to create use of your limitless imagination and allow this old world that is yearning to die, let it die. Use your imagination in helping this new world that is eager to be born to come to life.”
Class of 2020
Pat Connaughton, an NBA player for the Milwaukee Bucks, gave remarks at a celebration for the Class of 2020 in September 2021.
Class of 2019
J.J. Watt x’12, former UW–Madison and NFL football player, addressed the graduates.
Class of 2018
David Muir, journalist and ABC World News Tonight anchor, delivered the commencement address.
Class of 2017
Steve Levitan ’84, cocreator and executive producer of Modern Family, spoke to the graduating class.
Class of 2016
Russell Wilson x’14, NFL Quarterback, shared his experiences and wisdom, stating, “From the moment I saw this campus, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. From my coaches to my teammates to the guys in the equipment room and to, of course, the fans – everyone I met was so incredibly welcoming. And even though I only spent about a year here, I got to see how the Wisconsin Idea isn’t just a motto. It’s a commitment to operate hard and surround yourself with good people, to never stop improving and to make the world just a little bit better every day.”
Class of 2015
Katie Couric, journalist, encouraged graduates to “Take the Wisconsin Idea and spread it far and wide wherever you go. There are a world of problems just waiting for you to solve. Many will be around the block in your own neighborhood. And I have so much faith in you because you’ve already shown you’re ready to tackle some big, messy issues.”
Class of 2014
Jon Huntsman, former Utah governor and U.S. Ambassador, addressed the graduates.
Class of 2013
Anders Holm ’03, actor, comedian, and writer, spoke at the ceremony.
Class of 2012
Carol Bartz ’71, former president and CEO of Yahoo!, shared her insights, advising graduates to “Accept failure and learn from it. Failure — especially failure in your 50 years of working — failure is so important to understand. It can progress you forward.”
Class of 2011
John Morgridge ’55, emeritus CEO and chairman of Cisco Systems, and Tashia Morgridge ’55, retired educator and author, co-delivered the address.
Class of 2010
Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of education, and James Kass ’91, founder of Youth Speaks, addressed the graduates.
Class of 2009
Allan “Bud” Selig ’56, commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball, encouraged graduates to “Take advantage of these difficult times because if you have hope and faith, if you are smart and tenacious and dedicated and willing to sacrifice, you can make a difference and make this a better world.”
Class of 2008
Shirley Schlanger Abrahamson DJS’62, Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice, and Kay Smith Koplovitz ’67, founder of the USA Network, spoke at the ceremony.
Class of 2007
André De Shields ’70, actor, delivered the commencement address.
Class of 2006
Florence Chenoweth MS’70, PhD’86, director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, and Odessa Piper, restaurateur and founder of Madison’s L’Etoile, addressed the graduates.
Class of 2005
Tammy Baldwin JD’89, United States congresswoman, encouraged graduates to “And now that you’re graduating, we’re counting on you. We are counting on you to take risks, dream big dreams, and not let the naysayers rob you of your ambitions. We are counting on you to embody the Wisconsin Idea and use your knowledge for the common good.”
These commencement speakers represent a diverse range of achievements and perspectives, but they all share a common thread: a commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders and making a positive impact on the world.