Hillsdale College announced March 6 that its 2026 commencement ceremony speaker will be Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk.
“Charlie Kirk became a national and international sensation, and he built something amazing. At his memorial service were the great, the near-great, and tens of millions watching,” Hillsdale President Larry Arnn said in a press release. “We loved him because he was, at heart, a student who worked hard to get it right. Erika Kirk, brave and widowed, intends to carry on. And we will help her.”
In a statement sent to the college, Erika Kirk said she is honored to give the speech, noting the importance of the educational values the college is known for instilling in students.
“It is a great honor to be invited to speak at the Hillsdale College Graduation Ceremony on May 9,” she said. “Charlie loved Hillsdale deeply and was often a grateful student of its online courses, learning from Dr. Larry Arnn and the remarkable faculty, who are so committed to truth and the pursuit of wisdom. Hillsdale represents something rare in our time — a steadfast devotion to faith, learning, and the principles that sustain a free nation. I am sincerely grateful for the invitation and look forward to being there with all of you. God bless you.”
Hillsdale’s 2026 commencement will take place Saturday, May 9. The ceremony, though closed to the public, will be live streamed for those interested in watching it.
In February, Hillsdale announced its “Learn Like Charlie” initiative, which allows students to take the same online courses that Charlie Kirk took, including civics, history, and the Bible.
