Each year, Siena is proud to feature a Commencement speaker who embodies its Franciscan values and mission. Previous Commencement speakers have included NBC Today Anchor Al Roker, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D., and former GE Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt. 

2026 Commencement Speaker - Undergraduate Ceremony

Siena University is honored to recognize Debbie Antonelli on the occasion of its 86th Commencement, in recognition of her distinguished career in sports broadcasting and her commitment to civic leadership.

Debbie Antonelli is a two-time Emmy Award winner and one of the nation’s most respected college basketball analysts and broadcasters. Antonelli is a men’s and women’s college basketball analyst for ESPN and CBS, and has worked with many major networks, including Fox, Big Ten Network, and Westwood One. Antonelli has also been with the WNBA since the league’s inception, serving as an analyst covering Indiana Fever and Charlotte Sting games for more than 25 years combined. She also currently provides WNBA content to ESPN BET.