Emory's 2022 Commencement Speaker

Dear Emory Community,

With the past month of in-person learning on our campuses, I can see the excitement and energy at Emory are back! It’s hard to believe that for our graduating students, in just a couple of months, it will be time for our Commencement ceremonies. Speaking of which, I have great news …

The 2022 Emory University Commencement will return to the heart of campus! This magnificent ceremony—which celebrates undergraduate and graduate students from our schools and colleges—will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 9, on the Emory Quadrangle.

I’m also thrilled to announce that this year’s Commencement speaker will be Tyler Perry who, as many know, is a Georgia-based entertainment entrepreneur, visionary, and creative force.

Through films, plays, television shows, and beyond, his talents have touched the lives of millions around the world. In Atlanta, Tyler Perry Studios has been transformative to the region—creating new jobs, strengthening the economy, and anchoring Georgia as a vibrant center for American film production.

Equally impressive are Tyler Perry’s endeavors as a philanthropist, humanitarian, and social justice advocate. Whether funding scholarships for talented students, covering the grocery bills of elderly Atlanta residents, or supporting global disaster relief, he is renowned for creating opportunities and giving back to his community. 

At this year’s Commencement, it will be my great honor to recognize Tyler Perry’s distinctive contributions by presenting him with an honorary doctor of letters degree from Emory. 

I will also present honorary degrees to two other distinguished guests at Commencement—former Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates, and community philanthropist and longtime Emory supporter Lou Glenn. 

For more information on 2022 Commencement week events, please visit the website. 

With Tyler Perry as the keynote speaker, extraordinary honorary degree recipients, and a much-anticipated return to the Quad, this year’s Commencement ceremony will be an especially meaningful celebration of our graduates and all they have accomplished.

I can’t wait to see you there!

Sincerely,

Gregory L. Fenves
President