Ohio State University President Michael Drake announced today that Apple CEO Tim Cook will deliver the commencement address during the university’s virtual commencement event that will take place on May 3.
The event will be live-streamed at noon local time. 12,000 diplomas will be awarded virtually to students. The event will include Cook’s commencement speech, as well as musical performances. Drake and other university officials will be in traditional commencement regalia at Ohio Stadium, which will be otherwise empty.
“I am delighted to welcome Tim Cook as our spring commencement speaker,” Drake said. “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.”
Ohio University has long had a relationship with Apple. I 2017, the university established an education and research partnership with Apple via the university’s Digital Flagship initiative, which provides students with opportunities to learn coding skills.
Cook has delivered commencement addresses at numerous universities in the past, speaking at Auburn University, Stanford, MIT, Tulane, and George Washington University.
