The 2026 graduates are being sent off into the adult world with a great speech.
While we are far away in the grand scheme of things from the 2026 graduation season, universities all over are securing their commencement ceremony speakers to bid farewell to all the new graduates with some wise words.
Over the years, many famous faces have sent off new graduates into the real world. Last year, the busiest man in Hollywood, Taylor Sheridan, took the time to speak at the TCU ceremony and was honored with a Doctor of Letters degree. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I’d feel pretty fired up about what lay ahead for me if I heard Taylor Sheridan speak at my college graduation, but we can’t all be that lucky.
However, I think I’d be even more fired up if I heard Eric Church speak during my graduation ceremony. The 2026 class at the University of North Carolina is the fortunate group to have that dream become a reality.
On the night of May 9, 2026, The Chief, a long-time UNC fan and supporter, will take the stage at Kenan Stadium to deliver a speech that will leave a lasting impression on the graduates of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Church is honored to have been selected as the speaker, stating:
“Being asked to be the Commencement speaker at North Carolina is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had. Being a Tar Heel ‘born, bred, dead’ and knowing what the school has meant to me and my family, it’s surreal.
To be able to be there and celebrate the future, the students at the University of North Carolina as they go onto their next journey, I’m honored to do it, and I can’t wait to see everybody there.”
Hailing from the small western North Carolina town of Granite Falls, Church grew up supporting Tar Heel athletics, and as even though he attended Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, his unwavering support for the Tar Heels remained steadfast. Famously, Church once canceled a sold-out concert so he could watch the men’s basketball team defeat Duke University in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament. A Tar Heel for life, truly.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts added to Church’s sentiments, saying:
“A proud North Carolinian and one of country music’s most influential voices, Eric Church has long been a devoted Tar Heel fan and supporter of our University. A true legend, he has shaped the music industry and inspired generations of artists and audiences alike. His significant efforts to help rebuild western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene reflect his steadfast commitment to his hometown and our state.
I am confident his perspective will encourage the Class of 2026 as they begin the next stage of their lives.”
This group of grads better take every word that The Chief says to heart. He’s one helluva pull for UNC.
