The Columbia Chronicle sat down with three of the five 2016 commencement speakers May 13 in the 916 S. Wabash Ave. Building to discuss their thoughts about life as an artist and what college students should expect and look forward to after graduation.

Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Jane Lynch, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet Tracy K. Smith and Founder and President of Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art Carlos Tortolero offered thoughtful advice to graduates about following their dreams and staying afloat.