On Monday, March 31, 2025, the University announced that Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, will deliver the commencement speech for the Class of 2025.
Khan, a former hedge fund analyst, launched Khan Academy after tutoring his family members and posting instructional videos online in 2008. By 2009, he left his job to focus entirely on the nonprofit which has since grown to serve over 180 million learners worldwide.
In a statement to The Hub, University President Ronald J. Daniels highlighted why Khan was chosen, emphasizing his alignment with the institution’s mission.
"Our institution's first president Daniel Coit Gilman in 1876 articulated our mission as bringing knowledge to the world. In embodying that mission, Khan offers a stirring example to our graduates who grew up using Khan's technologies and now seek to make their own lasting and meaningful impact,” he wrote.
Khan’s selection has sparked mostly positive reactions among students, but some students have expressed mixed views particularly regarding his view that AI in education is a powerful learning tool as outlined in his book Brave New Worlds: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing).
In an interview with The News-Letter, Neha Tripathi, a graduating senior, expressed her excitement at Khan’s selection and considered his views on AI in education.
“I’m excited to hear Sal Khan as our commencement speaker! I’m not sure about his views on AI in education, but I like to keep an open mind,” she wrote. “Khan Academy was such a big part of my education, as I’m sure it was for many other students here.”
In an email to The News-Letter, junior Aliza Amir similarly stated that Khan and his content had been an important part of her learning journey and shared her enthusiasm for his commencement address.
“Growing up, Sal Khan has been my go-to guy in terms of academics. It’s sort of a full circle moment having him speak at commencement, knowing how much of an impact he had on our generation’s knowledge,” she wrote. “Although it won’t be in 2x speed, it’s exciting to be there for a lesson in real-time.”
Khan will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the commencement address, which will take place on May 22, 2025.
Samhi Boppana contributed reporting to this article.
