Schools
Popular Rapper, Energy CEO Set To Speak At Worcester College Graduation Ceremonies
will.i.am will speak at WPI's undergraduate ceremony while Lisa Barton will address graduate students in Worcester.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Polytechnic Institute has named the speakers for its 2026 Commencement ceremonies.
Beloved rapper will.i.am and Alliant Energy CEO Lisa Barton are set to speak at the college's undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, respectively. WPI said both speakers will receive honorary doctorate in science degrees during their respective ceremonies.
The Black Eyed Peas singer, who is also a tech founder and philanthropist, will deliver the undergraduate address on Friday, May. 15 at 2 p.m.
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“Commencement is a time to celebrate the energy, creativity, and determination that define our graduates,” said Grace Wang, president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. “will.i.am has energized audiences around the world by blending music, technology, and entrepreneurship in bold new ways, while also expanding access to STEAM and robotics education and opportunities through his forward-thinking philanthropic work.”
will.i.am launched the i.am Angel Foundation in 2009, which supports college scholarships, college preparation programs, and hands-on STEAM and robotics education initiatives.
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He also engages youth, educators, policymakers, and the broader tech community to help shape more inclusive pathways into AI and innovation-driven fields, according to the school.
Meanwhile, Barton, president and CEO of Alliant Energy and a WPI electrical engineering alumna, will speak at the graduate ceremony on Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m.
"Lisa Barton has spent her career building and operating the infrastructure that powers modern life—from homes and hospitals to the technologies driving today’s digital economy. Together, they represent two powerful forms of innovation that reflect the spirit of WPI," said President Wang, speaking of both Barton and will.i.am
Barton leads Alliant Energy and previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Electric Power before joining Alliant Energy in 2023. According to the university, she currently serves on the boards of Commercial Metals Company, Edison Electric Institute, American Transmission Company, and the Electric Power Research Institute.
A full list of 2026 Commencement activities and related information is available on WPI’s website.
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