Marques Colston, former NFL player, is Hofstra’s December commencement speaker

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Former NFL player Marques Colston is the December commencement speaker for Hofstra University’s midyear ceremony on Dec. 20.

The event will be held at Hofstra’s Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex, beginning at 1 p.m.  Approximately 700 undergraduate, graduate and law students who completed their program requirements in the summer or fall are expected to participate.

“We are delighted that Marques Colston will deliver the commencement address,” Susan Poser, president of Hofstra University, said in a news release about the December ceremony. “His successful entrepreneurial, academic, and athletic career is anchored in his drive to help others reach their optimal potential.”

At the ceremony, Colston – an entrepreneur, educator and Super Bowl champion – will receive an honorary doctorate in humane letters degree.

Colston earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2006 from Hofstra’s New College, which was later integrated into the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is the founder of Marques Colston, a professional development service company.

Colston serves as an executive coach at Bleeker, a public benefit corporation that advances the talents of people of color. He is the founder of Kompete, a sports data and analytics company, and a franchisee partner of Main Squeeze Juice Company. As an adjunct professor at the University of New Orleans, Colston shares his entrepreneurial experience and life skills training with undergraduate students.

As an NFL player, Colston served as the wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. The all-time franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and total touchdowns while an active player, Colston was a Saints All-50th Team selection in 2016 and a key contributor to the Saints’ Super Bowl win in 2009.

Colston, a former member of the School of Health Sciences’ Advisory Board, has been recognized twice by his alma mater for his outstanding contributions. He received the Hofstra Alumni Achievement Award in 2022 and was inducted into Hofstra’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021.

Colston established The Marques Colston Fellowship, which supports undergraduate students in Hofstra’s School of Health Sciences who demonstrate strong leadership and entrepreneurial potential.