A music icon, a screen queen and a CEO headline Georgia graduation events

Starting Thursday, thousands of college students in metro Atlanta will receive their degrees in commencement ceremonies many of them will remember forever. They’ll also hear from some major names in the academic, business and entertainment worlds who are scheduled to give the commencement addresses during those ceremonies.

Here’s a list of some of the speakers in metro Atlanta:

Carol Tomé

UPS CEO Carol B. Tomé is speaking at two graduations: Georgia Tech and Oglethorpe. (Courtesy of UPS)

The UPS CEO will give the address at one of Georgia Tech’s undergraduate ceremonies on Friday. She will also be the speaker the following day to the class of 2025 at Oglethorpe University.

Usher

Yeah! The music superstar will give the commencement speech to Emory University’s undergraduate students on May 12.

Taraji P. Henson

The award-winning actress, author and mental health activist will speak at Spelman College’s commencement on May 18.

Jarryd Wallace

Paralympic runner Jarryd Wallace practices at the UGA track in Athens in 2021.(Phil Skinner for the AJC)

The four-time Paralympian and winner of two bronze medals will deliver the spring undergraduate commencement address at the University of Georgia on May 9.

Cornel West

Cornel West speaks during a protest in Union Park near the United Center in Chicago, the site of the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 19, 2024. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

The longtime educator, author and progressive activist will speak to the graduating class at Morehouse College on May 18.

Bishop T.D. Jakes

Bishop T.D. Jakes, addresses the congregation at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church during a service. (Courtesy of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church)

The pastor, author, motivational speaker and filmmaker will give the commencement address at Morris Brown College on May 17.

David Still

David Still, mayor of Lawrenceville, will address Georgia Gwinnett College. (Courtesy)

The mayor of Lawrenceville, the county seat in Gwinnett, will give the commencement address at Georgia Gwinnett College on May 10.

Blayne Alexander

Blayne Alexander, an NBC News correspondent based out of Atlanta, is joining "Dateline." CREDIT Katlyne Hill Photography

The NBC News Dateline correspondent will be the commencement speaker at Agnes Scott College in Decatur on May 17. Alexander previously worked as a reporter at 11 Alive Atlanta (WXIA-TV).

State Rep. Beth Camp

Rep. Beth Camp (R-Concord) speaks in support of HB1EX in the House Chamber at the Georgia State Capitol, in 2023, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Camp, a Republican who represents portions of Lamar and Spalding counties and all of Pike County, will give one of the commencement speeches at Clayton State University. The other speakers are former MARTA CEO Keith Parker and Veronica Maldonado-Torres, president and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Steve Briggs

Berry College President Steve Briggs, who is retiring, will give his college's commencement address. (Brant Sanderlin/Berry College)

Berry College’s president, who is retiring from the job, will give the commencement address to his students on May 10.

Dennis Kimbro