West LA Times

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actor Sara Bareilles will deliver the keynote address at the UCLA College commencement ceremonies on June 13, 2025. The ceremonies will occur at Pauley Pavilion on campus, scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. Remarks will also be given by Chancellor Julio Frenk and student speakers from the class of 2025.

Bareilles, who graduated from UCLA with a degree in communication in 2003, expressed her connection to the university in a recent statement. "My time at UCLA held some of the most treasured years of my life. In many ways it still shapes the person I have become and am still becoming," she said. "I feel so honored to get to share in this deeply meaningful time of transition for all the graduates, and to celebrate all the hard work, creativity, dedication, and resilience that helped them arrive at this very special day."

Initially gaining attention with her 2007 single “Love Song,” Bareilles was an undergraduate at UCLA where she performed in the Awaken A Cappella group and participated in the Spring Sing showcase, winning in 2000 and 2003. These performances helped her advance her goals as a musician, leading to broader opportunities.

Bareilles' career has since expanded to include music, theater, television, and writing. In addition to winning two Grammy Awards, she has received multiple Grammy, Tony, and Emmy nominations, sold over 3 million albums, and had more than 3.5 billion song streams worldwide.

Her Broadway work includes composing music and lyrics for “Waitress,” where she also starred as the lead, and contributions to the 2016 musical “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.” On television, she has held roles in various shows, notably playing Mary Magdalene in NBC's “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” and starring in the musical comedy “Girls5eva.”

Bareilles is currently working on a musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel “The Interestings,” collaborating with playwright Sara Ruhl.

Known for advocating for arts education, gender equality, and mental health awareness, Bareilles has used her platform to share personal experiences with mental health issues and promote support resources.

“Sara Bareilles is an extraordinary artist and storyteller, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to UCLA for this year’s commencement,” said Miguel García-Garibay, senior dean of the UCLA College and dean of physical sciences. “Her journey highlights the importance of creativity and perseverance—messages that are sure to resonate with graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”

The 2025 commencement speaker invitation was extended to Bareilles by a UCLA committee consisting of students, alumni, faculty, and administrators.

For information on the 2025 commencement activities, visit UCLA’s commencement website.