Chance the Rapper has been announced as the commencement speaker at Dillard University. He will speak to graduates in New Orleans next month (May).
Chance will deliver his address at the 82nd Commencement ceremony in front of more than 200 graduates on May 12, at Avenue of the Oaks on the Dillard campus.
We are still celebrating! Can't wait for #MyDU #2018 Commencement Sat., May 12, at 8 a.m. on The Oaks. And you're invited! @chicagotribune @Suntimes @nytimes @washingtonpost @AP @NPR @nprmusic @whereyatnola @VibeMagazine @TheSource @BET @MTV @WBOK1230 @mypower1029 #DillardGrad18 pic.twitter.com/cmXTm0Ij5Q
— Dillard University (@du1869) April 6, 2018
Dillard President Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough told Billboard that Chance is "the artist that your grandmother would love” and that his religious beliefs played a part in the selection.
“I thought he made for a great commencement speaker because of his spirit of being entrepreneurial and authentic, Kimbrough said. "But his civic engagement, including encouraging people to vote and willingness to speak out on issues, like his recent opposition to a Heineken ad, are just as paramount.”
Chance gave fans an update on his eagerly-anticipated collaboration with Childish Gambino during his last public speaking appearance.