A conservative Christian college in Michigan announced a big name for their 2026 graduation ceremony commencement speaker.

Hillsdale College announced Friday that Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk will give the commencement speech during graduation on May 9. She is the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during an appearance at a college in 2025.

“Charlie Kirk became a national and international sensation, and he built something amazing. At his memorial service were the great, the near-great, and tens of millions watching. We loved him because he was, at heart, a student who worked hard to get it right. Erika Kirk, brave and widowed, intends to carry on. And we will help her,” College President Larry Arnn said.

Erika Kirk received her bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and a Juris Master in American legal studies from Liberty University.

“It is a great honor to be invited to speak at the Hillsdale College graduation ceremony. Charlie loved Hillsdale deeply and was often a grateful student of its online courses, learning from Dr. Larry Arnn and the remarkable faculty, who are so committed to truth and the pursuit of wisdom," Kirk said in a statement. “Hillsdale represents something rare in our time — a steadfast devotion to faith, learning, and the principles that sustain a free nation. I am sincerely grateful for the invitation and look forward to being there with all of you. God bless you.”

The commencement ceremony will be closed to the public, but will available to view on a livestream, the college said in a release.