Speakers

Below are the 2023 Commencement speakers:

 

Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Kristen Friday of Pittsburgh has been named valedictorian of the 2023 University of Notre Dame graduating class and will present the valedictory address during the 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21 (Sunday) at Notre Dame Stadium. Full News Release.

This year’s salutatorian is Miguel Coste, a neuroscience and behavior major. As the salutatorian, he will offer the Commencement invocation and will be prepared to deliver a valedictory address should the valedictorian be unable to do so.  Full News Release.

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Sister Rosemary Connelly, Laetare Medal

Sister Rosemary Connelly, R.S.M., former executive director of Misericordia and lifelong advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, will receive the University of Notre Dame’s 2023 Laetare Medal — the oldest and most prestigious honor given to American Catholics  — at Notre Dame’s 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21 (Sunday). Full News Release.

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Juan Manuel Santos, Commencement Speaker

Nobel Peace Prize recipient Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia from 2010 to 2018, will be the principal speaker and receive an honorary degree at the University of Notre Dame’s 178th University Commencement Ceremony on May 21 (Sunday). Full News Release. 

 

For a listing of previous commencement speakers, please visit the Archives page.