Famed astrophysicist Tyson will visit Portland to deliver Unity commencement speech

Photo / Courtesy, Unity College Neil deGrasse Tyson is a leader in the field of science education and is a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability.

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By Alexis Wells

Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and science communicator, will deliver the keynote address at the spring commencement of Unity Environmental University, a private liberal arts school in New Gloucester.

The commencement will be held May 23, 2025, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland.

“With this invitation from Unity Environmental University, I am reminded that some institutions of higher learning have taken the shepherding of our precious Earth seriously enough to embed it into everything they preach and everything they teach,” Tyson said in a news release.

About Neil deGrasse Tyson

Tyson is a leader in science education and a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability.

Born in New York City, he graduated from Bronx High School of Science and earned his bachelor’s degree in physics from Harvard and his doctorate in astrophysics from Columbia.

From 1995 to 2005, Tyson was a monthly essayist for Natural History magazine, and has written several books including a memoir.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him to the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry. Tyson later served on the President’s Commission on Implementation of the United States Space Exploration Policy. In 2006, the head of NASA appointed him to the advisory council.

Tyson hosted "Origins," a four-part miniseries that premiered in 2004 on the "Nova" program of PBS public television. He later appeared for five seasons as the host of the PBS spin-off program "ScienceNOW." He has also appeared on several television programs, podcasts and movies.

Tyson has received 23 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award NASA gave to non-government citizens. He was named one of Time Magazine’s "100 Most Influential People" of 2007 and received the 2007 Klopsteg Memorial Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers.

“We are honored to have Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson accept our invitation,” said Melik Peter Khoury, president of Unity Environmental University. “His extraordinary ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in a relatable and engaging way will undoubtedly inspire our graduates to make a positive impact on the world. His voice resonates with the values of curiosity, innovation, and stewardship that we nurture here at Unity.”

Unity Environmental University, formerly Unity College, has an environmentally focused curriculum. The school was founded in 1965 in the Waldo County town of Unity.