American icons make their way to Carolina
Look back on some notable figures — from former presidents to inspirational activists — who’ve spoken at the University.
As the first public university in the nation, Carolina has hosted its fair share of notable American luminaries throughout its long history.
Here are just a handful of iconic individuals — civil rights advocates, former presidents, star athletes and more — who have visited the institution, chartered the same year the U.S. Constitution was signed.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King giving a speech at Chapel Hill’s African American community center, now called the Hargraves Community Center. (UNC Southern Historical Collection)
In 1960, the iconic Civil Rights leader visited Chapel Hill to meet with community leaders at the African American community center, lead discussions in classrooms and give a speech, “The Struggle for Racial Justice,” to a crowd gathered at Hill Hall.
In that speech, King urged the Chapel Hill community to continue its fight for equality while remaining peaceful.
“There must be no violence in the struggle for racial equality,” King said. “There is no longer a choice between nonviolence and violence — there is only a choice between nonviolence and nonexistence.”
John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy was also awarded an honorary degree at the ceremony. (Hugh Morton Collection, North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives)
On University Day 1961, President Kennedy delivered a speech at Kenan Stadium to a crowd of 30,000 attendees.
In his speech, Kennedy stated that a “graduate of [Carolina] is a man of his nation as well as a man of his time.” He went on to challenge the students in the audience to think about how they could best improve society, not only gain an economic advantage in life.
“Our task in this country is to do our best,” Kennedy said. “To serve our nation’s interest as we see it and not to be swayed from our course by the fainthearted or the unknowing or the threats of those who would make themselves our foes.”
Muhammad Ali
Newspaper clipping from a 1975 issue of the Daily Tar Heel. (University Library)
Heavyweight champion and civil rights activist Muhammad Ali visited Carolina in October 1975, mere weeks after defeating Joe Frazier in the iconic “Thrilla in Manila” fight.
Speaking at Carmichael Arena in an event sponsored by Carolina’s Black Student Movement, Ali spoke about the need for unity during an uncertain time for the country.
“It is now the time when true friendship is most needed,” Ali said. “For someone who learns the lesson of friendship in this world, this lesson in the end develops into a friendship with God.”
Bill Clinton
President Clinton mingled with Carolina’s former chancellor, Paul Hardin, before delivering his address. (Dan Sears/UNC-Chapel Hill)
The 42nd president of the United States followed in Kennedy’s footsteps when he came to speak at Kenan Stadium as part of University Day 1993.
The event also marked Carolina’s bicentennial celebration and featured the iconic “What Is It That Binds Us?” speech from legendary broadcaster Charles Kuralt ’55.
Clinton’s address touched on economic and health care security and how the next generation of students could make strides to better their communities. He concluded the speech with a reference to one of Carolina’s most distinguished alumni.
“In the words of your great alumnus, Thomas Wolfe, ‘The true discovery of America is still before us. The true fulfillment of our spirit, of our people, of our mighty and immortal land is yet to come,’” Clinton said. “Let us believe in those words and let us act on them, so that 200 years from now our children, 12 generations removed, will still celebrate this glorious day.”
Madeleine Albright
The former secretary of state received an honorary doctorate as part of the commencement ceremony. (Photo courtesy of WRAL)
The first female secretary of state delivered the 2007 Spring Commencement address to an audience of more than 4,000 students.
In her address, Albright told students that having an inner compass is just as important as having a degree when it comes to finding their own path.
“Whether that compass is true will determine whether you are blown about by every breeze or able to chart a course that reflects your own ambitions and values,” Albright said.
Albright also received an honorary doctorate degree as part of the ceremony.
Barack Obama
President Obama delivered a policy speech on student loans during his 2012 visit. (Dan Sears/UNC-Chapel Hill)
In April 2012, President Obama gave a speech to attendees at Carmichael Arena and later filmed an entire episode of “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” at Memorial Hall alongside musical guest Dave Matthews.
In his speech, Obama spoke about the student experience at Carolina and the need for affordability. He engaged in playful back-and-forth exchanges with students in attendance (“I love you, President Obama!” one attendee shouted. “I love you back. I do. I love North Carolina,” Obama responded) and ended the speech on a note of optimism.
“I believe in the investment you’re making right here at North Carolina. That tells me that you share my faith in America’s future,” Obama said. “And that’s what drives me every single day: your hopes, your dreams.”
Later that evening, Obama’s appearance on “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” went viral when he participated in the comedic “Slow Jam the News” segment alongside the talk show host.
Zena Cardman
Astronaut Zena Cardman, delivered the keynote address one year before leading a space expedition. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
American astronaut Zena Cardman ’10, ’14 (MS) delivered the keynote address at Spring Commencement in 2024.
A Carolina alumna who graduated with a master’s degree in marine science, Cardman reflected on her time at Carolina and gave graduates advice on how to navigate extreme environments.
“Some people carry more than they’re able to in their sleds. Your own sled will get stuck sometimes,” Cardman said. “You are not alone. You will need help, and you will give help.”
Only one year before traveling to space to command the SpaceX Falcon 9 mission, Cardman spoke about the importance of charting unconventional paths.
“I will only suggest that the definition of great things, of success, of fulfillment is entirely up to you,” Cardman said. “And the path won’t always be obvious.”
Mia Hamm
The soccer legend’s commencement address emphasized the team work that’s necessary to succeed in life. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Carolina alumna and soccer legend Mia Hamm delivered the keynote address at Spring Commencement in 2025.
One of the most decorated soccer players in history, Hamm likened the hard and unglamorous work of everyday life to “carrying the water” for a soccer team, emphasizing that the best leaders are willing to do the menial tasks.
“I promise your teammates and your coaches will notice which choice you make because carrying the water says something very powerful,” Hamm said.
Hamm also reminded the graduates that none of them made it to Commencement on their own.
“Each of you will receive a diploma with your name on it,” Hamm said. “But written in invisible ink all over that piece of paper are the names of everyone who helped you along the way.”
