What To Know
- Craig Melvin will deliver a commencement speech during Villanova University’s 2026 graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 19.
- Melvin revealed via social media that he spent the weekend working on his speech.
- The Today host asks fans what advice he should share with the school’s graduating class.
Craig Melvin is asking Today fans for help as her prepares for a major off-screen event.
The NBC anchor will deliver a commencement speech to the class of 2026 at Villanova University on Tuesday, May 19. In addition to the speech, Melvin will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the Pennsylvania school.
Before appearing live in Today‘s Studio 1A on Monday, May 18, Melvin spent his weekend working hard on his commencement speech. “Honored and excited to deliver this year’s commencement address at Villanova University on Tuesday,” he captioned Instagram photos of himself sitting at a desk on Sunday, May 17. “No better way to spend a Sunday than putting the finishing touches on my remarks.”
Asking fans for their assistance, he added, “Wildcats, alumni, and the entire Villanova community: what advice should I pass along to the Class of 2026?”
Melvin’s followers flooded the comments with their suggestions for his speech. “Class of 99 alum here- so honored to have you at my Alma mater! Be sure to tell this year’s graduates about staying connected to each other and less connected to technology, continue to give to their community, make time for something that gives their life meaning, and most of all, always remember to come back home to Villanova, because she will always be there for you!” one person wrote. “Can you tell how passionate I am about my school and my time there? I’m always encouraging my students to apply!”
Another user stated, “Nobody owes you a good life. And that’s actually great news. Because the best things ahead of you will come from doing the hard work when the easier choice was available.”
Someone else shared, “Live your life as a random act of kindness. Make this your first goal to check off each day once you leave your home. People will forget what you say, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel say that to yourself every day before you leave your home.”
Another commenter suggested, “Class of 1997! Tell them to wear Villanova apparel wherever they go! I’ve met so many alumni who see the V on my hat and we instantly start talking about our time there!”
Melvin is one of many celebrities who are sharing their advice with college students at graduation ceremonies this year. A segment aired on Monday’s episode of Today highlighted recent commencement speeches from stars such as Tom Brady, Harrison Ford, Eric Church, Lindsey Vonn, Henry Winkler, and Melvin’s former Today colleague Hoda Kotb.
When asked about his speech, Melvin told NBC’s Kaylee Hartung, “I was working yesterday morning. I’m going to adhere to the ‘rule of be’s,’ Kaylee Hartung. ‘Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated,’” he shared. “I’m not gonna keep them long.”
Today, Weekdays, 7am, NBC