Brandeis Announces Sandberg and Wilkerson as Commencement Speakers

Renowned leaders to address undergraduate and graduate students at 75th ceremony

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Brandeis University has announced that Sheryl Sandberg, former Meta COO, and Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, will serve as keynote speakers for the university's 75th Commencement exercises on May 17th. Both will also receive honorary degrees from the institution.

Why it matters

The selection of these distinguished leaders reflects Brandeis' commitment to inspiring graduates with role models who embody qualities like leadership, resilience, and social impact - traits that are increasingly valued as students enter a complex and rapidly evolving world.

The details

Sandberg, known for her work empowering women in the workplace and her bestselling book 'Lean In,' will address the undergraduate class. Wilkerson, celebrated for her groundbreaking narratives on the Great Migration and the concept of caste in America, will speak to the graduate students. The ceremonies will take place at the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, with the undergraduate event at 9 a.m. and the graduate event at 3 p.m.

  • The 75th Commencement exercises will be held on Sunday, May 17th.
  • Sandberg will deliver the Undergraduate Commencement address.
  • Wilkerson will address the Graduate Commencement.

The players

Sheryl Sandberg

An entrepreneur and former Chief Operating Officer of Meta, known for her work empowering women in the workplace and her bestselling book 'Lean In.'

Isabel Wilkerson

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author celebrated for her groundbreaking narratives on the Great Migration and the concept of caste in America.

Arthur Levine

The President of Brandeis University, who expressed the university's excitement in honoring these distinguished individuals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The university will award honorary degrees to four additional individuals, but their names were not specified in the provided information.

The takeaway

Brandeis' selection of Sandberg and Wilkerson as Commencement speakers reflects a broader trend of universities seeking leaders who embody qualities like resilience and social impact, which are increasingly valued as graduates enter a complex and rapidly evolving world.