Congratulations! If you’re reading this it means you’re considering auditioning for one of the student speaker roles at
graduation. This packet contains materials that will guide you through the audition process.
Speaker Roles
There are three student roles for which you can audition: Student Speaker, Coordinator of Ceremony, and Invocator.
When you audition, you will be considered for each of these roles! You only need to make one appointment in the
Media Hub this will cover Student Speaker and Coordinator of Ceremony.
Student Speaker
The Student Speaker speaks to and on behalf of her sister grads. Your remarks should be celebratory and focus on
accomplishments, appreciations, and aspirations. The core idea of your speech should be sharply focused, clearly
organized, and well supported. Length: 5-7 minutes.
Coordinator of Ceremony
The Coordinator of Ceremony serves as the emcee for graduation. As Coordinator, you will address the audience
several times throughout commencement. You will open and close the ceremony, introduce dignitaries, faculty,
guests, and speakers, and keep the ceremony moving along.
Invocator
The Invocator shares a prayer near the beginning of the ceremony invoking God’s presence for support, inspiration,
and/or wisdom. The prayer needs to be inclusive so that participants of many faith traditions may feel a connection.
Audition Process
Make an appointment with the Media Hub, 414-382-6170, to have your audition(s) taped and to have your photograph
taken, in the event that you are selected as a speaker we will use that photo in our display. You will have your photo
taken when you audition so that if you’re selected, we’ll have a professional photo for the commencement display
board. Auditions must be taped before April 7, 2017.
There is no need to write an entire speech. Prepare an introduction and the first main point of your remarks.
Selection Process
The Commencement Selection Committee, composed of faculty and staff from several disciplines and departments,
will review all the auditions and select the speakers in April (for the May Commencement) and in November (for the
December Commencement). If you are chosen, you will work with a faculty coach who will assist you in polishing your
remarks and practicing your delivery.
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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY FORMAT
PROCESSIONAL
MARSHAL
Vice President for Student Success
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman, Board of Trustees
WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS
Coordinator of Ceremony
INVOCATION
Student
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
President
ADDRESS
Student Speaker
AWARDING OF DEGREES
CLOSING REMARKS
Coordinator of Ceremony
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman, Board of Trustees
SINGING OF THE ALMA MATER
RECESSIONAL
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Tips for the Student Speaker and Coordinator of Ceremony Based upon
Criteria for Effective Speaking
From the Graduation Speakers Selection Committee
Those of us who select the Graduation Speakers have listened to many tryouts and attended many
graduations. We believe we can assist you by telling you what works – and what doesn’t. Here are
some tips for you based upon the speaking criteria you’re so familiar with.
1. Speaking on One’s Feet
Although you’ll be delivering from a manuscript, neither the script nor the podium should get in the
way. In other words, use the delivery skills you’ve developed at Alverno when speaking
extemporaneously. Worst sin: reading your remarks.
2. Connecting with Audience through Establishing of Common Context
The audience at graduation is there to see someone they love graduate. While generally interested
in the “goings on,” their primary goal is to hear the name of their loved one as she receives her
diploma. Consequently, the audience can bore easily. This can be challenging. Therefore, your
remarks must grab and keep the attention of the audience. Worst sin: excluding portions of your
audience.
3. Connecting with audience through Verbal Expression
Use “speaking” language: I, you, we, us; active voice; vivid images; concrete examples. Worst sin:
“Alverno-ese,” i.e., Alverno-related jargon such as “externals,” “R weekend,” “competency,”
“abilities.”
4. Connecting with Audience through Delivery
You audience will take their cues from you. Therefore, it’s vital that you speak in a manner
appropriate to your remarks. If you want the audience to smile (or laugh), you should smile. If you’d
like the audience to ponder a point, pause. Vary your rate, speak in your natural voice (when
nervous, our voices tend toward a higher pitch), and ar-ti-cu-late! Worst sin: speaking too fast,
pausing too little.
5. Connecting with Audience through Appropriate Linguistic Conventions
Use words correctly, pronounce them properly (even if it means spelling them phonetically), and
use simple sentences structure that is easily understood. Worst sin: sentences that are complicated
or too long.
6. Connecting with Audience through Structure
Organize your remarks so that the audience can easily grasp your meaning and “see” how your
ideas are connected. Use transitional words and phrases (consequently, as a result, etc.) and
signposts (first, finally, etc.) to make you speech seamless. Consider using metaphors similes, or
analogies – if they’re fresh. Avoid overused, worn –out images, i.e., graduation is merely the end of
the one chapter in the book of life; in this journey called “life,” graduation is just one rest stop.
Worst sin: organizing remarks around the eight abilities or the letters in “Alverno.”
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7. Connecting with Audience through Support and Development
Use a variety of supporting materials (examples, anecdotes, historical references, and stories) and
balances of quotes. Cite your resources. When quoting an individual who is not as well-known,
briefly explain who that person is and why she/he is credible. Worst sin: making a point that’s not
sufficiently supported or well-developed.
8. Connecting with Audience through Media
You will represent every graduate, and, as such, you will be your own visual aid. Therefore, stand
proud and tall, speak with your audience, and remain poised. Worst sin: apologizing.
9. Connecting with Audience through Appropriate Content
Understand the difference between the roles of the Student Speaker and the Coordinator of
Ceremony. For example, it is the Coordinator’s (not the Student Speaker’s) responsibility to thank
individuals (President) or groups (Board of Trustees).
When deciding upon content, think substance. While reflecting upon your years of education is
acceptable, try to broaden your perspective. If appropriate, for example, refer to global events.
Don’t dwell on student hardships, i.e., late nights, no social life, McDonald’s for meals, etc. If
hardship must be included, then balance them with some positives.
Humor – if gentle and appropriate – can be helpful. It’s a wonderful way to reach the audience.
Remember, you are speaking for every discipline and every graduate – weekday and weekend
students of various sizes, shapes, color, and background. Therefore, the speech should not be a
review of who you are or what you did. Instead, focus on the shared experience and
accomplishments of all the grads. Worst sin: taking too personal a stroll down memory lane.
10. Self Assessment
Understand that from the abundance of auditions, only two speakers can be chosen. If you are not
one of those two, do not take it personally. Our decision is often difficult because we must choose
from so many good speakers. Let the satisfaction of knowing you tried and the pleasure of pulling it
all together be your reward. Worst sin: not trying out.
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Sample of Commencement Speaker Introduction
“The Music in These Walls” by Cassie Powalisz, ‘12
I am honored and pleased to have been given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the
December class of 2010. It has taken me ten years to get here, but here I stand. I came to Alverno after
my friend, Nicole, told me how happy she was here. At her urging I looked into Alverno. I think you
know how that worked out, and I am proud to say we will be crossing this stage together today.
When I first came to Alverno I was struck, and with some force, by the culture of this college.
The little things that are uniquely Alverno. I couldn’t believe how professors were willingly called by
their first names. I couldn’t believe the accessibility of the staff. I couldn’t believe there were no grades.
But most of all I was struck by the music I heard within the walls of this college. I graduate today with a
degree in English but it is music that will stay with me long after I leave Alverno.
This music isn’t pianos, or flutes, or an aria. Although you can hear those here and often do.
The music that stays with me is the voices of Alverno women. While walking past class rooms I heard
intelligent and amazing Alverno women discussing existentialism and pharmacology. I heard Alverno
women sincerely asking each other about their kids and classes and relationships. I saw Alverno women
tutor and advise one another. I heard words of encouragement and songs of praise. I heard the desires,
and goals, and dreams on the lips of every woman I saw.
Sample of Coordinator of Ceremony Introduction
I am Allicia Washington-White, and I am thrilled to be a member of the May graduating class
receiving my Bachelor of Arts in English. Today, I hold the honor to serve as your coordinator of
ceremony.
Commencement is a special day to reflect on our pasts, even though the future isn’t always
clear. Now I am quite sure that many of you have looked in the mirror at least once today to ensure
your hair was ok, your makeup was just right, and your smile is bright as it can possibly be! (PAUSE)
While looking at yourself, did you notice your reflection? You are probably thinking by now…of
course I did: it’s a mirror! But I mean…did you really look at your reflection? Because when I looked in
the mirror today, I no longer saw the student I was, but the woman that I have become. (PAUSE)
Today is the day! Today is the day that we have anticipated! Over the course of every semester,
we have wiped away the specks and repaired the cracks, so no longer will that mirror be cloudy. After
today, our reflections will show bravery, perseverance, and most of all, (HOUR) strength.
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TEMPLATE – UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT
Processional
All march in, led by Jeana Abromeit (Grand Marshal).
Coordinator goes to her seat until Chair of the Board calls
commencement into session. Then coordinator goes to podium
for her welcome. All remain standing until commencement is
called to order.
Call to Order
(Chariman, Board
of Trustees)
Good afternoon. Welcome to Alverno College. I am honored to
represent the Board, the president, and the faculty and staff of
Alverno College, and declare our May 2017 Commencement now in
session. {gavel snap} Please be seated.
It is my pleasure not only to welcome you, but to introduce today’s
student Coordinator of Ceremony…insert introduction of student
speaker w/ bio…
Welcome
(Coordinator)
Thank you…
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming (this can be
tweaked a bit if coordinator prefers different language)

distinguished members of the Alverno College Board of
Trustees

Alverno’s President, Sister Andrea Lee

Our wonderful faculty and staff

Family and friends who have joined us here in Pitman
Theatre, Wehr Hall, the LaVerna Commons, and via
online webcast

And, FINALLY, a warm and joyful welcome to the May
2017 graduating class of Alverno College!
Insert addition welcome remarks…
Introduction to
Invocation
(Coordinator)
Insert Invocator’s introduction with bio…
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Invocation
Insert invocation…
Introduction of
President
(Coordinator)
Thank you ???. Everyone may be seated (if they haven’t seated
themselves).
It is now my pleasure to introduce, Sister Andrea Lee, President
of Alverno College.
President’s
Remarks (Sr
Andrea)
Insert President’s remarks here… At the end of the speech, the
Introduction of
Student Speaker
(Coordinator)
Thank you for those inspiring remarks, Sister Andrea.
Student Speaker
Insert student speaker’s speech…
Introduction of
the VP for
Academic Affairs
(Coordinator)
Thank you ??? for your thoughtful message to me and all of our sister
Choir singing One Voice…Sr Andrea will cue and introduce the
choir herself, and then hand off to Coordinator
Insert introduction of student speaker w/ bio…
graduates.
It is now my pleasure to introduce, Dr. Kathy Lake, Acting Vice
President for Academic Affairs.
Conferring of
Degrees
(Kathy)
I am honored to present the candidates for their respective
degree types. Sister Andrea will confer the degrees, the
graduates will be hooded by their respective Dean or Associate
Dean, and our Board Chair, Don Layden, will congratulate each
graduate after she receives her diploma.
Will the Bachelor of Arts graduates please stand…
Sister Andrea, on behalf of the faculty of Alverno College, I
recommend the following candidates for the degree Bachelor of
Arts
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(Sr Andrea)
As President of Alverno College and on behalf of the Board of
Trustees, I confer upon you the degree Bachelor of Arts.
Students shift their tassel from left to right, walk toward the
stage to be hooded, receive diploma and shake hands with
Trustee.
Same script for
each degree type
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Music
Associate of Arts
Congratulations
from Sister
Andrea
On behalf of the entire College community, I again congratulate the
Class of 2017! We are proud to welcome you to the ranks of nearly
17,000 living graduates. We should definitely thank those folks who
have supported you along the way. Graduates, why don’t you stand,
turn around and show your appreciation to your family and friends –
they’ve done so much to bring you to this moment. We’ve taken your
dreams seriously. We salute your achievements, your pursuit of
excellence, and your promising futures as leaders and innovators. You
have earned our respect and admiration. Now, it’s time to step out
and step up. We’re counting on you. The world is counting on you.
As you leave today, I offer my congratulations and pray that, daily, you
experience clear signs of God’s favor.
Introduction of
Alverno College
Choir
(Coordinator)
The Alverno College Choir has been the flagship ensemble here at
Alverno for more than a century. Both music and non-music majors
make up the choir, which currently is under the direction of music
faculty member, Diane Skrobis.
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Alverno’s Alma Mater, ”Where All Belong,” was written by Alverno
professors, Michael Kaminski and Jill Moore, and is an uplifting and
welcoming reflection of Alverno’s traditions and culture.
The choir will sing the Alma Mater first and we as-K that you please
stand and join in on the 2nd round. The lyrics can be found in your
program.
Alma Mater
(Choir)
Choir sings it through once and then invites audience to stand
Closing Remarks
(Coordinator)
Insert some brief closing remarks & transition to Board Chair for
Adjournment
(Chairman, Board
of Trustees)
Thank you, ???, and thank you to everyone for attending the May
and sing it the second time
Adjournment…
2017 Commencement ceremony at Alverno College. I now declare
this Commencement adjourned and wish you all a wonderful summer
break.
Recessional
Jeana Abromeit (Grand Marshal) should walk off the stage
immediately followed by

President and speakers

Board of Trustees

Faculty and staff
The marshals direct the

graduates out of their seats
Ushers direct guests out of the auditorium
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