It Happened at Michigan: Looking Back at U-M’s Commencement Speakers

The University of Michigan’s commencement speaker tradition began in 1878 and has grown into a long-standing part of graduation ceremonies. Over the years, speakers have included civil rights leaders, journalists, athletes, and U.S. presidents, with figures like Marian Anderson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Barack Obama, and Derek Jeter reflecting different moments in the university’s history and culture.