John Green, the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, influential educator and global YouTube phenomenon, will serve as the speaker for Rice University’s 113th undergraduate commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. May 9 at Rice Stadium.
Green is widely credited with significantly expanding the popularity and cultural impact of young adult fiction. He is the author of “Looking for Alaska,” “An Abundance of Katherines,” “Paper Towns,” “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Turtles All the Way Down,” “The Anthropocene Reviewed” and “Everything Is Tuberculosis.” He is also the co-author, with David Levithan, of “Will Grayson, Will Grayson.” His books have been published in more than 55 languages with more than 50 million copies in print worldwide.
“John Green’s work has shaped how millions of young people think about the world and their place in it,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “His ability to combine storytelling, intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to the public good makes him an inspiring voice for our graduates as they prepare to lead in an increasingly complex world.”
Green is the recipient of the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award and a 2009 Edgar Award and has twice been a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Several of his novels have been adapted for film and television.
In addition to his literary work, Green is widely known for his educational and philanthropic impact. Alongside his brother Hank, he co-created the YouTube channel vlogbrothers, which has amassed more than 1 billion views and fostered the global “nerdfighter” community dedicated to reducing poverty, supporting global health initiatives and promoting civic engagement. The brothers also launched the educational YouTube channel Crash Course, which now has more than 16.9 million subscribers and more than 2 billion views. They co-founded Complexly, an educational media company that produces content for audiences worldwide.
Green and his brother are also the creators of the podcast “Dear Hank and John” and founders of DFTBA (Don’t Forget to be Awesome) Records, a creator-driven merchandise company. In 2019, they launched Good.Store, which donates 100% of its profits from consumer goods to charitable causes.
“I’m honored to join Rice graduates and their families and friends for this extraordinary moment,” Green said. “It’s so exciting to be able to celebrate with students who’ve accomplished so much in their Rice careers.”
Green grew up in Orlando, Florida, and is a graduate of Kenyon College. He currently lives in Indianapolis with his family.
Guided by its Momentous strategic plan, Rice is advancing a bold vision to deliver global impact through a personalized, student-centered approach — positioning the university to become the world’s premier institution for teaching and research while redefining what it means to be elite by expanding access and opportunity through its generous financial aid programs.
For additional information about Rice’s 2026 commencement ceremonies, please visit https://commencement.rice.edu/may-commencement .