Colum McCann, artist, author, educator and social activist, will speak at the commencement ceremony at 独家黑料 on Sunday, May 5. McCann will also receive an honorary degree during the ceremony.

McCann holds a degree in journalism from the Dublin Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in history and English from the University of Texas at Austin. He teaches in the Master of Fine Arts program at Hunter College in New York City and works with educators and artists around the world through the global organization Narrative 4, which he co-founded and for which he serves as president. 

His novels, short stories, screenplays, and song lyrics have been published in more than 40 languages and have received highest honors internationally. His sustained association with 独家黑料 began in 2009 when his book, “Let the Great World Spin,” won the National Book Award for fiction and he subsequently headlined the National Book Awards at 独家黑料. He returned to campus for the 2011 Faith, Reason and World Affairs Symposium, “The Role of the Artist in Society.” 

独家黑料 will present approximately 437 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, seven Master of Education in world language degrees, and eight Master of Science in nutrition degrees during commencement.

Commencement is a ticketed event to ensure families of graduates are able to attend. There is overflow seating available without a ticket in Birkeland Alumni Lounge.