Colorado Springs, CO – Colorado College (CC) has revealed that Mike Shum, a 2007 alumnus, will deliver the keynote address at the college’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony. The event is scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, at Ed Robson Arena.
Shum, a highly regarded independent filmmaker and journalist, has earned recognition for his compelling storytelling and investigative journalism. His work has spanned the globe, covering critical social and political issues, often shedding light on underrepresented voices and global challenges. Shum’s documentaries and reporting have been featured in prominent outlets such as PBS, The New York Times, and National Geographic.
In a statement, Shum reflected on his upcoming role as the commencement speaker, expressing both his honor and surprise at the invitation. “It’s an odd feeling returning to Colorado College in this way,” Shum said. “I remember my own commencement speaker in 2007. I remember thinking what it would be like to leave the college and set off on a journey—live a life with adventures, experience, wins, losses, and heartbreak. I feel the full circle-ness of this moment. And I hope I can send these students off with some inspiration, some energy, maybe even hope.”
Shum’s career has focused on bridging the gap between investigative journalism and storytelling, with a particular emphasis on highlighting human resilience in the face of adversity. As a producer and director of photography, Shum worked on Hondros, a documentary about the life of photojournalist Chris Hondros. The film, which premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, was later distributed on Netflix.
Throughout his career, Shum has collaborated with Al Jazeera Witness and PBS Frontline, tackling pressing global issues such as conflict, climate change, and political polarization. His impactful work has garnered numerous accolades, including nominations and awards from the Emmys, the NAACP, and the National Association of Black Journalists, as well as the Nieman Foundation’s Worth Bingham Prize.
Interim President of Colorado College, Manya Whitaker, expressed her excitement about Shum returning to his alma mater to inspire the graduating class. “As an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist, his work—ranging from in-depth reporting on global conflicts to illuminating overlooked human stories—demonstrates the power of a liberal arts education in action,” Whitaker said. “His dedication to humanity, storytelling, and global engagement reflects CC’s commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and social impact, which drive meaningful change in the world.”
Shum’s contributions to both journalism and filmmaking were recognized last fall when he received the Spirit of Adventure Award from CC’s Alumni Association Council during Homecoming.
Currently, Shum is serving as a Nieman Journalism Fellow at Harvard University, where he is exploring the future of journalism and how storytelling can help rebuild public trust in the media.
