Keynote Speaker

Dee Dee Bridgewater, legendary jazz vocalist, multi-talented artist, and producer, will deliver the keynote address at Denison University’s 184th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17.

This will be the third time Bridgewater will grace a stage at Denison. As a two-time Vail Series artist, she has mesmerized audiences in concerts and shared her insights and experiences with students in classrooms.

Over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, Bridgewater has established herself as one of the most iconic voices in jazz, earning numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and a Tony Award. At the ceremony, Bridgewater will be recognized with the conferring of an honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

“Dee Dee Bridgewater is an extraordinary artist and entrepreneur who innovates across genres, creates new art, and revises standard works,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “She has built connections with Denison students and faculty in classrooms and on stage during her time here as a Vail Series guest artist, and I look forward to renewing that connection. We are delighted to invite an absolute master of their craft to speak at the Class of 2025 Commencement.”