This year was Diane Sawyer. Another year, Hillary Clinton. The chancellor does the official invitation and our office handles the arrangements for the speaker's visit. Usually it's one of our alumni, friends or faculty members who helps bring us the speaker. This year, one of our alumni who works with Diane Sawyer helped us to bring her here.
Commencement is a yearlong planning process.
Some events we have less than one week's notice. Building dedications and ground-breaking ceremonies can start as much as a year in advance. It all depends on how large the event is. Some events are even a couple of years out. We like to plan with advance warning.