What Is a Commencement Address
A commencement address is simply the formal term for a graduation speech. It is the speech given to a graduating class, usually by a notable guest, during the ceremony marking the completion of a degree program.
Why the Word Commencement
The word commencement means beginning or start. In academic contexts, it refers to the beginning of a new chapter after graduation, not the end of study. This usage dates back to medieval European universities, where degree ceremonies marked the start of a scholar's professional life.
Why Commencement Address Is the Common Term
Universities adopted the formal phrase to emphasize the ceremonial nature of the event. Over time, commencement address became standard in official programs and speeches, and media coverage reinforced the term. Today, commencement address is widely used in academic writing, news articles, and speeches themselves.
