Along with just about every other part of the education system right now, commencement addresses are going virtual. And who better to deliver one than the much sought-after commencement speaker whose company created FaceTime?
Announced by Ohio State University, Apple CEO Tim Cook will give a virtual address to graduating students this May. The speech will be broadcast online May 3.
“I am delighted to welcome Tim Cook as our spring commencement speaker,” University president Michael V. Drake said in a statement. “We are grateful for Mr. Cook’s participation in this important tradition and know his unique insights will guide Buckeyes as they continue to innovate the future.”
It’s not yet clear whether Cook will visit the university to deliver his speech, or record it remotely. The ceremony will be taking place during social distancing protocols. This means that students will be unable to attend regular commencement proceedings.
Tim Cook: Commencement speaker
While Cook’s predecessor, Steve Jobs, gave one of the most famous commencement addresses in history with his 2005 commencement speech to Stanford students, Tim Cook has delivered far more of them while running Apple. Other commencement speeches Cook has delivered include ones at George Washington, MIT, former alma mater Duke University, Stanford and Tulane University.
Cook often uses the speeches to talk about his career experiences. He also touches on issues like privacy and positive uses for technology. Given the unique circumstances we’re currently in with COVID-19, it will be interesting to hear what Cook has to tell graduating students!
