Loyola University New Orleans has announced that Jon Batiste, the Grammy Award-winning musician and New Orleans area native, will be the speaker at the undergraduate/graduate Commencement ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at the UNO Lakefront Arena.

Loyola University New Orleans has a strong relationship with music (music, dance, theater and music therapy) and the music industry through its Music Business Industry Studies program. The university is also home to the world-renowned Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp. Many Loyola alums have gone on to successful careers in the music industry, including notable musicians such as Mia Borders and G-Eazy.

Batiste is a world-renowned musician who has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for his latest studio album, We Are. He has also received an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the Disney/Pixar movie Soul. Batiste has worked as the musical director and bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022.

In addition to his speech, Batiste will perform a short set during the commencement ceremony. The event will be held at the UNO Lakefront Arena at 6801 Franklin Ave in New Orleans. Free parking will be available on the Arena grounds.

Loyola University New Orleans is honored to have Batiste as the speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony. Graduates and their families are ready to hear from the musician and New Orleans native as they celebrate their academic achievements.