The list is long and distinguished. Northeastern’s undergraduate commencement speakers from 1902 to the present by David Nordman April 7, 2023 Share Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Four years before he was elected president of the United States, Sen. John F. Kennedy took the stage at the old Boston Garden to address the 1,384 members of Northeastern University’s Class of 1956. The theme of his June 17 commencement speech was “It’s Your America Now,” but the high-energy talk was also very forward-thinking. While terms like artificial intelligence and machine learning were not yet part of Americans’ vocabulary, Kennedy made a prediction. It could have been made in 2024. “We stand at the threshold of automation, which will transform an industrialized state such as ours long before other states have even heard of it,” he said. “We are already seeing new industries, new products, new processes.” History suggests that Kennedy is the biggest name to ever give a Northeastern commencement speech, but the list is long and distinguished. It includes politicians, journalists, scientists, scholars, actors, entrepreneurs, activists and business leaders. Mariam Naficy, a serial entrepreneur, e-commerce pioneer and innovator in the creator economy, will be the speaker at Northeastern’s 2023 undergraduate commencement on Sunday, May 7, at Fenway Park. Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and chief executive of Chobani, delivered last year’s undergraduate address. This story includes only undergraduate speakers, or in the early years, the only speakers. It doesn’t include graduate speakers, or those who spoke at the no-longer-held afternoon or fall commencements (Bruins legend Bobby Orr addressed fall graduates in 1984, for example). The story also doesn’t include honorary degree recipients (such as former South African President Nelson Mandela in 1988) or speakers at the Law School, CPS, individual college or global campus commencements. There were no undergraduate commencement speakers from 1972-76. Josiah H. Quincy, the former Boston mayor and later assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy, addressed the first class of 20 graduates in 1902. Bill Clinton is the only sitting president to address Northeastern graduates when he gave the commencement speech in 1993. Clinton, who received more than 200 invitations to speak at colleges that year, said he picked Northeastern because of its signature co-op program. Clinton was accompanied by Sen. Edward Kennedy (Northeastern’s 1965 and 1977 commencement speaker), Sen. John Kerry (Northeastern’s 2016 commencement speaker) and former Gov. Mike Dukakis (Northeastern’s 1984 commencement speaker). Clinton made a joke about Boston’s infamous traffic jams and compared them to working with Congress. “That’s the second greatest example of gridlock in the United States,” he said. Coretta Scott King, the wife of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., was Northeastern’s commencement speaker in 1971, while another civil rights leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, addressed graduates in 1978. Elizabeth Dole, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and wife of Sen. Bob Dole, was the 1986 commencement speaker, while First Lady Barbara Bush followed in 1991. Bush urged Northeastern graduates to practice tolerance, show compassion and lead by example. “Tolerance is much more than respecting people of a different race,” Bush said. “It’s a constant stream of little acts in our daily lives, big or small choices we make every day in the way we think about, talk about and deal with other human beings.” Donna Harris Lewis, the widow of former Northeastern and Boston Celtics basketball star Reggie Lewis, wiped away tears as she addressed graduates in 1994. In 1998, Mikhail Gorbachev, president of the Soviet Union from 1985-91, told 1,600 Northeastern graduates to “be optimists” and work for world peace. “Please remember one lesson of the 20th century,” he said. “One cannot impose happiness on nations by imposing any kind of enforced utopia.” “The Russian people paid a great price,” Gorbachev said. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright’s commencement speech in 2000 focused on suffering endured by women, including victims of domestic violence. “Some say this is all cultural and there’s nothing we can do about it,” she said. “I say it’s criminal and we each have an obligation to stop it.” Actor Ed Asner, who famously played Lou Grant on the Mary Tyler Moore Show, was the 1989 commencement speaker. Asner, whose daughter was among the 4,000 graduates that year, praised Chinese students in their struggle for freedom in the wake of the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state, addressed Northeastern graduates in 2012. In his speech, he recalled how being in the military as a young man helped shield him from the realities of being Black. “The Army, in those days, was the most socially progressive institution for Blacks in this country while segregation was still the law of the land,” he said. “I belonged to an institution that was only concerned about your performance and your potential.” Powell told Northeastern graduates that he skipped his own commencement ceremony from the City College of New York in 1958. He hung out with friends instead. “You didn’t get to cross the stage and have your name called out so I figured my mother wouldn’t notice that I wasn’t there,” Powell said. David Nordman is executive editor of Northeastern Global News. Follow him on Twitter @davenordman. Read More View speakers by decade 2010-2024 2000-2009 1990-1999 1980-1989 1970-1979 1960-1969 1950-1959 1940-1949 1930-1939 1920-1929 1910-1919 1902-1909 2010 – 2024 Courtesy photo Pam Melroy (2024) Astronaut and Deputy administrator for NASA Read the Announcement Courtesy photo Mariam Naficy (2023) Global Entrepreneur and Minted founder Mariam Naficy’s speech on YouTube View Mariam Naficy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University Hamdi Ulukaya (2022) Founder, CEO of Greek yogurt brand Chobani Hamdi Ulukaya’s speech on YouTube View Hamdi Ulukaya’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Screenshot from Rochelle Walensky’s commencement speech Rochelle Walensky (2021) Director of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Watch Rochelle Walensky’s speech on YouTube View Rochelle Walensky’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University Ming Tsai (2020) Celebrity chef Watch Ming Tsai’s speech on YouTube< View Ming Tsai’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University Tara Westover (2019) Best-selling author Watch Tara Westover’s speech on YouTube< View Tara Westover’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University Aimée Mullins (2018) Actor, paralympian, trailblazing athlete Watch Aimée Mullins’ speech on YouTube< View Aimée Mullins’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University Christiane Amanpour (2017) CNN’s chief international correspondent Watch Christiane Amanpour’s speech on YouTube< View Christiane Amanpour’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University John F. Kerry (2016) Secretary of state Watch John F. Kerry’s speech on YouTube< View John F. Kerry’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University David Muir (2015) Correspondent and anchor, ABC Evening News Watch David Muir’s speech on YouTube< View David Muir’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University Janet Napolitano (2014) Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security Watch Janet Napolitano’s speech on YouTube< View Janet Napolitano’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Mary Knox Merrill/Northeastern University Jim Yong Kim (2013) President, World Bank Group Watch Jim Yong Kim’s speech on YouTube< View Jim Yong Kim’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Dominick Reuter/Northeastern University Colin Powell (2012) Secretary of State Watch Colin Powell’s speech on YouTube< View Colin Powell’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo: Genzyme Corporation Henri A. Termeer (2011) Former president and CEO, Genzyme Corp. Watch Henri A. Termeer’s speech on YouTube< View Henri A. Termeer’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images Kenneth I. Chenault (2010) Chairman and CEO, American Express Co. Watch Kenneth I. Chenault’s speech on YouTube< View Kenneth I. Chenault’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 2000 – 2009 Kenneth Cole on the red carpet of the Life Ball July 17, 2010. Source: own. Photo by Manfred Werner. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Kenneth D. Cole (2009) Founder and CEO, Kenneth Cole Productions Watch Kenneth D. Cole’s speech on YouTube< View Kenneth D. Cole’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain via Wikimedia Commons Christopher Cox (2008) Christopher Cox — Chair, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Watch Christopher Cox’s speech on YouTube View Christopher Cox’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Gin Kai, U.S. Naval Academy, Photographic Studio. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 (source). Nicholas Negroponte (2007) Founder and chairman, One Laptop Per Child View Nicholas Negroponte’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by WRI Staff, Licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Jeffrey R. Immelt (2006) CEO, General Electric View Jeffery R. Immelt’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Official portrait of Leon Panetta as United States Secretary of Defense. Leon E. Panetta (2005) Co-Director, Leon & Sylvia Panetta Institute for Public Policy View Leon E. Panetta’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Richard Henry Carmona (2004) Surgeon general, U.S. Public Health Service View Richard Henry Carmona’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Christine Todd Whitman (2003) Director, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency View Christine Todd Whitman’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Richard J. Egan (2002) Ambassador to Ireland, co-founder, EMC Corp. View Richard J. Egan’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Jay Godwin. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Bill Richardson (2001) Secretary of energy, U.S. View Bill Richardson’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Madeleine Korbel Albright (2000) Secretary of state, U.S View Madeleine Korbel Albright’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1990 – 1999 Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Julian Bond (1999) Civil rights leader View Julian Bond’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Northeastern University, Office of University Photography Mikhail Gorbachev (1998) President of the Soviet Union from 1985-91 View Mikhail Gorbachev’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Max Cleland (1997) Senator, Georgia View Max Cleland’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Albert Sacco Jr. (1996) Astronaut View Albert Sacco Jr.’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Helen Thomas (1995) Reporter, United Press International View Helen Thomas’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images William Floyd Weld (1995) Governor, Massachusetts View William Floyd Weld’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Northeastern University, Office of University Photography Donna Harris Lewis (1994) Widow of Reggie Lewis Photo by Northeastern University, Office of University Photography William Jefferson Clinton (1993) President of the United States View William Jefferson Clinton’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons William H. Gray III (1992) Representative, 2nd Congressional District, Pennsylvania View William H. Gray III’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Jet Commercial Photographers Barbara Pierce Bush (1991) First lady View Barbara Pierce Bush’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Cropped photo, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Paul Fireman (1990) Representative, Chair, Reebok International, Ltd. View Paul Fireman’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1980 – 1989 Photo courtesy of CBS Television. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Edward Asner (1989) Former president, Screen Actors Guild View Edward Asner’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo/Northeastern University Erma Louise Bombeck (1988) Author View Erma Louise Bombeck’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Barney Frank (1987) Representative, 4th Congressional District, Massachusetts View Barney Frank’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Elizabeth Hanford Dole (1986) Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation View Elizabeth Hanford Dole’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP Philip Johnston (1985) Executive director, CARE Photo by Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University Michael S. Dukakis (1984) Governor, Massachusetts View Michael S. Dukakis’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Terrel Howard Bell (1983) Secretary, U.S. Department of Education View Terrel Howard Bell’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. (1982) Speaker of the House, U.S. House of Representatives View Thomas P. O’Neill Jr.’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Robert L. Knudsen. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (1981) Professor of Humanities, City University New York View Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Brooks Canaday/Northeastern University Gary Goshgarian (1980) Professor, English, Northeastern University View Gary Goshgarian’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1970 – 1979 Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Paul E. Tsongas (1979) Senator, Massachusetts View Paul E. Tsongas’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Jet Commercial Photographers Rev. Jesse L. Jackson (1978) Civil rights leader View Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Edward M. Kennedy (1977) Senator, Massachusetts View Edward M. Kennedy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Northeastern University Office of University Photography Coretta Scott King (1971) Civil rights leader View Coretta Scott King’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Michael Collins (1970) Astronaut, NASA View Michael Collins’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1960 – 1969 Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Edmund Sixtus Muskie (1969) Senator, Maine View Edmund Sixtus Muskie’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Robert C. Weaver (1968) Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development View Robert C. Weaver’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons F. Bradford Morse (1967) Representative, 5th Congressional District, Massachusetts View F. Bradford Morse’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Yoichi R. Okamoto, White House Press Office. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Nicholas Katzenbach (1966) Attorney general, U.S. Department of Justice View Nicholas Katzenbach’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Edward M. Kennedy (1965) Senator, Massachusetts View Edward M. Kennedy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Margaret Chase Smith (1964) Senator, Maine View Margaret Chase Smith’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Orville Ellsworth Beal (1963) President, Prudential Insurance Corp. Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons James Edwin Webb (1962) Administrator, NASA View James Edwin Webb’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of Sonoma State University. Fred Lawrence Whipple (1961) Director, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory View Fred Lawrence Whipple’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Walter Consuelo Langsam (1960) President, University of Cincinnati View Walter Consuelo Langsam’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1950 – 1959 Photo/Homer Research Labs Arthur Bartlett Homer (1959) President and CEO, Bethlehem Steel Corp. Perry Miller (1958) Professor of American Literature, Harvard University View Perry Miller’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo John Lawrence Burns (1957) President, Radio Corp. of America Northeastern University Press Bureau John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1956) Senator, Massachusetts View John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Charles Newton Kimball (1955) President, Midwest Research Institute Courtesy photo John L. McCaffrey (1954) President, International Harvester Co. Courtesy photo Robert Chapman Sprague (1953) Chairman of the board, Sprague Electric Co. UNH library, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons (cropped photo) Arthur Stanton Adams (1952) President, American Council on Education View Arthur Stanton Adams’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo John Christian Warner (1951) President, Carnegie Institute of Technology View John Christian Warner’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo/Dickinson College Frank W. Abrams (1950) Chairman, Standard Oil 1940 – 1949 Courtesy photo Richard Lyon Bowditch (1949) Coal, oil and transportation pioneer Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Sinclair Weeks (1948) Secretary of Commerce, U.S. View Sinclair Weeks’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Christian A. Herter (1948) Governor, Massachusetts View Christian A. Herter’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Eliot Wadsworth (1947) Massachusetts legislator Underwood & Underwood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Richard Evelyn Byrd (1947) Rear admiral, U.S. Navy View Richard Evelyn Byrd’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo William McNear Rand (1946) Olympic track and field athlete View William McNear Rand’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo William Crombie White (1945) Director, Day College, Northeastern University US Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Wat Tyler Cluverius (1944) Rear admiral, U.S. Navy View Wat Tyler Cluverius’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of IBM, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Thomas John Watson (1944) Chairman and CEO of IBM View Thomas John Watson’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Eric Koch for Anefo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Henry Cabot Lodge (1943) Senator, Massachusetts View Henry Cabot Lodge’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of Allegheny College William Pearson Tolley (1943) Chancellor, Syracuse University View William Pearson Tolley’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Bain News Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Channing Pollock (1942) Playwright, critic and screenwriter View Channing Pollock’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Harris & Ewing, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Harold Glenn Moulton (1941) President, Brookings Institution View Harold Glenn Moulton’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Joseph Warren Barker (1940) Dean, School of Engineering, Columbia University View Joseph Warren Barker’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1930 – 1939 Photo courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries Ralph Washington Sockman (1939) Clergyman View Ralph Washington Sockman’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo by Harris & Ewing, photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Henry Styles Bridges (1938) Senator, New Hampshire View Henry Styles Bridges’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of DePauw University Clyde Everett Wildman (1937) President, DePauw University Photo courtesy of Lehigh University Clement Clarence Williams (1936) President, Lehigh University Courtesy photo Harry Stanley Rogers (1935) President, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn Courtesy photo Payson Smith (1934) Commissioner of education, Massachusetts View Payson Smith’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo Courtesy of Middlebury History Online Paul Dwight Moody (1933) Evangelical minister View Paul Dwight Moody’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Russell Henry Stafford (1932) Clergyman Courtesy photo Arthur Atwood Ballantine (1931) First solicitor of the Internal Revenue Service View Arthur Atwood Ballantine’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo courtesy of University of Iowa Libraries Ralph Washington Sockman (1930) Pastor, radio host View Ralph Washington Sockman’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1920 – 1929 Courtesy photo Francis John McConnell (1929) Bishop, Methodist Episcopal Church View Francis John McConnell’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Payson Smith (1928) Commissioner of education, Massachusetts View Payson Smith’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons James L. McConaughy (1927) President, Wesleyan University View James L. McConaughy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Augustus O. Thomas (1926) Education commissioner, Maine View Augustus O. Thomas’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Ashley Day Leavitt (second from left). Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Ashley Day Leavitt (1925) Minister, Harvard Church, Brookline, Massachusetts View Ashley Day Leavitt’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons George Barton Cutten (1924) President, Colgate University View George Barton Cutten’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Payson Smith (1923) Commissioner of Education, Massachusetts View Payson Smith’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Charles Reynolds Brown (1922) Congregational clergyman View Charles Reynolds Brown’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Robert Judson Aley (1921) President, University of Maine View Robert Judson Aley’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Frederick Perry Fish (1920) Ex-chair, Massachusetts State Board of Education View Frederick Perry Fish’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1910 – 1919 Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Channing Harris Cox (1919) Lieutenant governor, Massachusetts View Channing Harris Cox’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Grafton Dulany Cushing (1918) Ex-lieutenant governor, Massachusetts View Grafton Dulany Cushing’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Payson Smith (1917) Commissioner of education, Massachusetts View Payson Smith’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Herbert W. Parker (1916) Former attorney general, Massachusetts View Herbert W. Parker’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Samuel L. Powers (1915) Former congressman View Samuel L. Powers’ entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Henry F. Hurlburt (1914) Lawyer, author Courtesy photo George H. Martin (1913) Author Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Granville Stanley Hall (1912) Pioneering American psychologist View Granville Stanley Hall’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Louis Adams Frothingham (1911) Lieutenant governor, Massachusetts View Louis Adams Frothingham’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is in the public domain per PD-US-expired, via Wikimedia Commons Curtis Guild Jr. (1910) Former governor of Massachusetts View Curtis Guild Jr.’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape 1902 – 1909 Photo/Town on Winchester, Massachusetts Charles Zueblin (1909) Sociologist and promoter of civic reform View Charles Zueblin’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons John Davis Long (1908) Former governor, Massachusetts View John Davis Long’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Courtesy photo Henry Newton Sheldon (1907) Former justice, Superior Court of Massachusetts View Henry Newton Sheldon’s bio on Mass.gov Courtesy photo Franklin G. Fessenden (1906) Judge, Superior Court, Massachusetts Illustration/The Boston Globe James B. Richardson (1905) Associate justice, Superior Court, Massachusetts Courtesy photo John Wilkes Hammond (1904) Associate justice, Supreme Judicial Court, Massachusetts View John Wilkes Hammond’s bio on Mass.gov Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Herbert W. Parker (1903) Attorney general, Massachusetts View Herbert W. Parker’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape Photo is public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Josiah H. Quincy (1902) Former Boston mayor, assistant secretary of U.S. Navy View Josiah H. Quincy’s entry on Wikipedia image/svg+xmlWikipedia’s WSTyxnoneWikipediafavicon2007-06-26GFDLW de WikipédiaInkscape *The speakers on this list were the only, or primary speaker(s), that year. The list doesn’t include speakers at the no-longer-held afternoon or fall commencements, honorary degree recipients, or speakers at the more recent graduate, Law School, CPS, individual college and global campus commencements.