Commencement Speakers
Explore Seattle University's Commencement Speakers page to learn about distinguished speakers who inspire graduates with their achievements and insights.
Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker
Robert Paylor
Robert Paylor will be the speaker at our undergraduate ceremony. While competing as a collegiate rugby player, Mr. Paylor sustained a spinal cord injury that initially left him paralyzed from the neck down. Through rehabilitation, he regained mobility, earned a degree from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and built a career as an author and sought-after speaker. Mr. Paylor is author of Paralyzed to Powerful, has been featured in national media and speaks to organizations across sectors. He has inspired millions with his story, determination, and spirit.
Graduate Ceremony Speaker
Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr.
Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. is a world-renowned scientist, oncologist, and successful leader of National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. He is president and director of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a global leader in cancer care and research, and also directs the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lynch was part of the first research team to discover how targeted therapies could dramatically change outcomes for lung cancer patients with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching.