Commencement Speaker

What is the Ann Curry difference? She is more than a highly esteemed, award-winning journalist. Ann brings stories to life. Her reporting is raw, bold, and deeply personal, because she…

In a career spanning over five decades, legendary actor Al Pacino has received many accolades, including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming one of the few performers to…

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a global icon; a mammoth of public life, sports, and entertainment.

Anita Hill is University Professor of Social Policy, Law, and Women’s Studies at Brandeis University. She is a vital leader in both the civil rights and women’s rights movements. In…

Ashton Kutcher is an actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, investor and producer.

Al Roker has been the weather and feature anchor on NBC News’ TODAY since January 1996. Since July 2009 he has been co-host of the morning show Wake Up with…

Arne Duncan was the ninth U.S. Secretary of Education. Duncan served under President Barack Obama from January 20, 2009 through January 1, 2016. Duncan’s tenure as secretary was marked by…

Amber Riley is an actress, singer-songwriter and philanthropist, known for her role on the series "Glee" as Mercedes Jones.Riley plays the role of Mercedes Jones on the hit musical comedy-drama…

Adam B. Ellick is a Senior International Video Correspondent at The New York Times whose award-winning stories on human rights have brought a voice to the voiceless. Towing a backpack…

Andrew P. Napolitano joined Fox News Channel (FNC) in January 1998 and currently serves as the senior judicial analyst. He provides legal analysis on both FNC and Fox Business Network.…

Known for the challenging roles she's played on film and in television, critically acclaimed actress Alfre Woodard's work has earned her an Oscar nomination, four Emmy Award wins and 16…

Aisha Tyler, is an actor, comedian, director, author and activist. she is currently co-host of the hit cbs daytime talker "the talk" until end of the seventh season. Aisha joined…

Andy Samberg is an actor, comedian, rapper and writer best known as a member of the comedy group, The Lonely Island and as a former cast member of "Saturday Night…

Arnold Rampersad, is a biographer and literary critic, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the US in 1965. The first volume (1986) of his Life of…

Andrea Mitchell, the veteran NBC Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, is also the host of MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports

America Ferrera is perhaps best known for her Emmy Award-winning portrayal of "Betty Suarez" on the ABC hit comedy Ugly Betty, but she is also a devoted humanitarian who dedicates…

Through her activism and scholarship over the last decades, Angela Davis has been deeply involved in our nation's quest for social justice. Her work as an educator - both at…

Anderson Cooper is the anchor of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360°, a nightly newscast that goes beyond the headlines—keeping politicians and policy makers honest with in-depth reporting and investigations. The show…

Augusten Burroughs was born Christopher Richter Robison  in Pittsburgh, PA on October 23, 1965 and raised in Western Massachusetts.  His father chaired the Philosophy department at the University of Massachusetts…

Alan Arkin performed with folk music groups from the late 1950s to the late '60s. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for his screen acting debut,…