One of the highest honors a student can receive is being selected to address their classmates. It is a chance to represent Binghamton University and Watson College by sharing parting words that inspire, encourage, and reflect the vision and hopes of the Class of 2026. The speeches not only commemorate the event but also provide students with the opportunity to pay tribute to those who have helped them along the way and praise the accomplishments of their fellow graduates.
To represent the Class of 2026, one Watson student will be selected to address classmates at the Commencement ceremony in May 2026. This student may be a Watson undergraduate or graduate student, and the content should be relevant to both BS and MS students.
Qualifications
- Be a spring 2026 Watson College candidate (undergraduate and master's students welcome to apply). December 2025 graduates may also apply but must be walking at spring 2026 Commencement.
- Be in good disciplinary standing at the University
- Demonstrate academic success
- Be an active participant in the University community
Application requirements
Complete applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, via email to Kimberly Eiche at keiche@binghamton.edu. Only applications that are 100% complete will be considered.
Items that must be submitted
- An updated professional résumé.
- A complete draft of the speech (no more than four minutes) that you would like to give at the Commencement Ceremony. The content of the speech should be relevant to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Two names of references, including their contact information. References must be professors, administrators or staff members at Binghamton University.
Selection process and deadlines
Phase I: Submit Application Materials - 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18
Phase II: Application Review - Feb. 19-26
The Watson Commencement Committee will review all applications.
Phase III: Interviews and Presentations - to be completed by Friday, March 6
A 15-minute virtual interview will be conducted with candidates selected by the committee
during Phase II (application review). During the interview, the student will be asked
to give their prepared speech to the committee.
Phase IV: Selection - Monday, March 9, by 5 p.m.
All applicants will receive the committee's decision via email.
Phase V: The selected student speaker will work closely with the Commencement Office to finalize the speech. This includes practice in the Speaking Lab, rehearsal in the Events Center, and a final review by the University’s Communications and Marketing Department. The student also will have a professional headshot taken to be used for publicity.
Please direct questions to Kimberly Eiche, director of the Watson Career and Alumni Connections office, at keiche@binghamton.edu.