Apple CEO Tim Cook to Deliver Commencement Speech to Tulane Graduates in May - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple CEO Tim Cook to Deliver Commencement Speech to Tulane Graduates in May

Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to deliver the keynote address to Tulane graduates at the university's 2019 commencement event, set to take place on May 18 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the university announced today.

Tulane University shared the news with students through a cute video that spelled out Cook's visit in emoji.

Tulane President Mike Fitts said that Cook represents the "kind of success" that the university hopes that all graduates can attain.

"At Tulane, we are committed to addressing global challenges, giving back to our community and always acting with integrity and wisdom. Tim shows us how we can incorporate these values into life beyond graduation, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our commencement celebration."

Cook said that he "can't wait" to celebrate alongside new Tulane graduates later this year.

"Tulane's dedication to its students and the diverse community around them is an awesome example of the lessons we all learn when we come together, recognize our responsibilities to each other and give back," said Cook. "At Apple we believe that education is a powerful equalizing force, and I can't wait to celebrate alongside this year's students who have worked hard, followed their passions and who stand ready to change the world."

Cook has given commencement addresses at multiple universities over the years, including his alma mater Auburn University, Duke University, George Washington University, and MIT.

Popular Stories

iphone duo feature

Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch

Thursday October 8, 2026 11:05 am PDT by
The Independent's David Phelan on Wednesday interviewed Apple's executive chairman Tim Cook at Apple's U.K. headquarters in the Battersea Power Station, and one of the topics they discussed was John Ternus taking over as Apple's CEO. Ternus, who was previously Apple's hardware engineering chief, succeeded Cook as Apple's CEO on September 1. Cook said the transition "started years ago."...
iPhone 4 on Black Feature

Full iPhone 4 'Antennagate' Q&A Video Surfaces After 16 Years

Thursday September 24, 2026 5:39 am PDT by
A 47-minute video of the Q&A session from Apple's 2010 iPhone 4 "antennagate" press conference has surfaced on YouTube, showing Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, and Bob Mansfield answering reporters' questions. The recording was highlighted by Daring Fireball's John Gruber, who attended the event. Apple called the July 16, 2010 press conference amid complaints that holding the iPhone 4 in a particular...
Tim Cook Executive Chair 16x9 1

Tim Cook to Attend White House State Dinner for Xi Jinping

Wednesday September 16, 2026 4:41 pm PDT by
Apple executive chairman Tim Cook is expected to attend a White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, reports Bloomberg. Cook stepped down as Apple CEO and transitioned to executive chairman on September 1, with John Ternus taking over. Part of Cook's new role includes engaging with policymakers around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump invited Cook, OpenAI CEO Sam...

Top Rated Comments

jmh600cbr Avatar
100 months ago
To me the whole CEO politician thing doesn’t vibe. I liked it when CEO meant passionate decision maker. Sure, Steve did one commencement speech but that was at the end, after all his accomplishment. Tim hopped right into this cr*p and hasn’t slowed down.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
100 months ago
Typical. Very typical of tim. After all these apple related bugs and privacy crap, tim goes out to deliver commencement.
It seems you are not aware that Tim Cook is neither a software engineer, coder, or software manager. And, that giving a commencement speech in no way influences Apple dealing with software bug/privacy issues.

Also...you are probably not aware that CEOs of large tech companies routinely give commencement addresses at universities. You might want to research that a bit.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pat500000 Avatar
100 months ago
Typical. Very typical of tim. After all these apple related bugs and privacy crap, tim goes out to deliver commencement.

Steve Jobs wannabe.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
100 months ago
I hope his entire speech is delivered in emoji. But not digital ones, just Tim scrunching his face around for 30 minutes until it sort of... ends.

Yeah, that’s good scrimshaw.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
100 months ago
To me the whole CEO politician thing doesn’t vibe. I liked it when CEO meant passionate decision maker. Sure, Steve did one commencement speech but that was at the end, after all his accomplishment. Tim hopped right into this cr*p and hasn’t slowed down.
I don’t see any politics here.
Many other figures do commencement speeches. Are all of them doing it for political reasons? This is not a White House speech.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scottsoapbox Avatar
100 months ago
To me the whole CEO politician thing doesn’t vibe. I liked it when CEO meant passionate decision maker. Sure, Steve did one commencement speech but that was at the end, after all his accomplishment. Tim hopped right into this cr*p and hasn’t slowed down.
What are you talking about? Will Ferrell does commencement speeches. It's just about Universities trying to get a big name.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
8 hours ago
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
20 hours ago
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
21 hours ago
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
21 hours ago
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
21 hours ago
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
21 hours ago
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
22 hours ago
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
1 day ago
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
2 days ago
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
2 days ago
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
Mark Your Calendar: Six Important Apple Dates Coming Up This Month
2 days ago
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps
2 days ago
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
First Apple TV 4K Now 'Vintage' Ahead of New Model Coming on Tuesday
2 days ago
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming
2 days ago
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
Apple Shares Fall After News of iPhone 18 Pro Order Cuts
2 days ago
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
Leak Details iPhone Features for Apple's LG Home Accessories
2 days ago
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
Prime Day Leftover Deals: AirPods Max 2 for $429, Mac Mini for $779.99, and More
2 days ago
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
Every M5 MacBook Air Now $200 Off on Amazon
2 days ago
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
Mac Shipments Fall, But Apple Still Gains Ground in Shrinking Market
2 days ago
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
Apple Reportedly Cuts iPhone 18 Pro Orders After Price Hike Dampens Demand
2 days ago
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
Apple Signs Hiring and Licensing Deal With AI Podcast Startup Huxe
2 days ago
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
Apple's October 13 Launch: What's Coming
3 days ago
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
Anthropic Says Users Can't Be Needlessly Cruel to Claude
3 days ago
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
Apple to Launch Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro and OLED iPad mini on October 27
3 days ago
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
Apple Now Pushing iPhone Users Still on iOS 26 to Install iOS 27
3 days ago
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
Apple Has a New M&A Chief as Ternus Reshuffles Leadership
3 days ago
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
Prepare for Apple's New Home Hub With These HomeKit Accessory Deals
3 days ago
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
Tim Cook Says He's 'Not Meddling' With Apple's New CEO John Ternus
3 days ago
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
Tim Cook Explains Why He Stepped Down as Apple CEO Before iPhone Duo Launch
3 days ago
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
Apple Product Launch Announced for October 13: 'Welcome Home'
3 days ago