May 18, 2024

11 Celebrities Who Would Make Awesome Commencement Speakers

By Rachel Paoletta

Four years, hundreds of cups of coffee, a history major (don’t hate) and producing minor have brought me to this point: Graduation. On Wednesday, I’ll graduate from New York University with thousands of other students at Yankee Stadium. What I’m feeling can only be described as a cocktail of emotions: excited, terrified, eager, anxious — I am actually beginning to drive myself insane. (Is it weird that I’m 1 percent excited and 99 percent horrified I’m going to pull a J-Law and fall onstage at Radio City when our smaller ceremony goes down today?)

Watch: Sandra Bullock Blind Sides A High School Commencement With A Surprise Speech

While I’m extremely excited for graduation, let’s be real: Commencement speeches get a bad rap. They’re long, often tedious and a general *groan* moment. But there’s hope! MTV News takes pride in educated young people and knows they deserve exciting speakers for an exciting time. I humbly suggest the following celebs be considered by universities throughout the country. JUST HEAR ME OUT, HOLIER-THAN-THOU MEMBERS OF ACADEMIA:

1. Beyoncé

Let’s BEYON-est — there simply is no title or position to aspire to higher than Queen Bey.

^ all the proof you need.

2. Jennifer Lawrence
Because obviously. Her mere presence is a testimony you can be successful, adored by millions and still true to yourself. Her wisdom is inspiring and infinite:

Sorry J-Law. I know you don’t want to be a GIF. Love you, mean it. Xoxo

3. Diddy
While it’s true he was recently the commencement speaker at Howard University, we DEMAND more Diddy. Everywhere, all the time.

Mogul, entrepreneur, the man who made it socially acceptable to wear all-white. The world needs more people like Diddy.

^Excellent advice for everyone attending a commencement.

4. Drake
Because “Started from the Bottom” is the unofficial anthem of every college student with a dream: That perhaps our low bank accounts, all-nighters and ramen-noodle diets are investments in a bright future.

Your grandma will love him.

5. Nicki Minaj
Hungry young minds can learn a thing or two from the Barbie: She’s an artist and businesswoman who is at the top of her field because of her hard work.

And wisdom.

6. Zac Efron
Because he’s down-to-earth, funny and no one would hate staring at this for two hours:

DAYum.

7. Robert Downey, Jr
Inspirational to each and every one of us, Downey is living proof that when life knocks you down, you can come back a million times stronger.

Who doesn’t feel inspired by RDJ? He has the coolest job in the world:

8. Snoop Dogg
He can teach young people that adaptability and change …

… can help you build a career that can only be described as “iconic.”

A national treasure.

9. Diplo
He’s talented, fun and would turn your graduation into twerk nation.

It’s all fun and games until your mom joins in.

10. Seth Rogen
His inimitable chuckle and great sense of humor would make your commencement basically the highlight of your life.

Comedic legend or visionary? You decide.

11. Bill Murray
Actor

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Life Aquatic

The world needs a generation of people like Bill Murray.

A message to the class of 2014: You don’t just get to be a coaster. You earn it.

About the author  ⁄ MTV News Staff

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