1. What is it?
A commencement speech or commencement address is a speech given to graduating
students, generally at a university, although the term is also used for secondary
education institutions and in similar institutions around the world.
The commencement is a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred upon
graduating students. A commencement speech is typically given by a notable figure in
the community or a graduating student. The person giving such a speech is known as
a commencement
speaker.
Very
commonly,
colleges
or
universities
will
invite
politicians, important citizens, or other noted speakers to come and address the
graduating class.
A student speaker may deliver remarks either in lieu or in conjunction with a notable
outside
figure.
Student
commencement
speakers
are
often valedictorians or
may
otherwise be elected by their peers to represent the student body.
Despite meaning "beginning", commencement may be mistaken to mean "ending" due
to its association with the end of one's studies. Its usage originated with students
finishing their studies and being awarded a degree, thus commencing as bachelors or
masters in a subject and enjoying new privileges within academia.