Graduation Addresses

At the University of Melbourne's very first (annual) graduation ceremonies, the Chancellor would traditionally deliver an occasional address to the graduating cohort. Reflecting on local and world events of the year, they would close the ceremony wishing the new graduates well and providing advice for their imminent futures. Today's graduations now begin with such an address, following the Chancellor's welcome, delivered by a guest speaker, perhaps a leader of their field, an innovator or a new honorary award winner. The University has hosted an extraordinary range of occasional addressees, from all fields and disciplines, delivering speeches designed to inform and inspire our newest graduates.