AMHERST — Award-winning creative director David Korins, a 1999 graduate of the University of Massachusetts, who has created the worlds, or imagined locations, for more than 25 Broadway shows, including the Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton,” will be the keynote speaker at the university’s 155th commencement ceremony, and the 55th held at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, May 16 at 5 p.m.

Around 6,500 undergraduate students are expected to earn their degrees and more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the event.

In addition to his speech, Korins will be presented with an honorary degree to celebrate his achievements in 30 years of creating omnidirectional experiences for millions of people by helping brands, corporations and artists bring their stories to life.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to deliver the commencement address at any institution, but to get an opportunity to come home to my alma mater and connect directly with the graduating class of 2025 and the faculty is a true honor,” Korins said.

“David’s creativity and energy is boundless, and he embodies all the revolutionary, innovative spirit that are hallmark traits of UMass Amherst graduates,” Chancellor Javier Reyes said in a statement. “David’s approach to storytelling will impart important lessons to us all, especially as our future graduates begin to write their own stories as they embark on careers or future academic endeavors.”

The mid-May commencement, which began in 2010, is returning to a late Friday afternoon time, the same time of day that it was held from 2011 to 2019 and again in 2022, following the pandemic disruptions for the ceremonies in 2020 and 2021.

In 2023, though, the ceremony was pushed to the Friday morning of Memorial Day weekend, and last year it was held in mid-May, but on a Saturday morning.

A UMass spokesperson said the day and time for the commencement is based on the academic calendar, logistical considerations and what university officials think will be the best experience for graduates and their families.

With the David Korins Studio he founded and leads, Korins’ extensive body of work spans various mediums — from stage to screen, museums to hospitality venues and exhibitions to live events. In addition to “Hamilton,” he has created the worlds for musicals “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Beetlejuice: The Musical,” and others. Among numerous TV credits, Korins was the production designer for the 91st and 94th Annual Academy Awards, and “Grease: Live!,” for which he received an Emmy Award.

He was the creative director and designer of “The Hamilton Exhibition,” a 30,000-square-foot immersive experience chronicling Alexander Hamilton’s life. He also served as the global creative director and designer of “Van Gogh Exhibit: The Immersive Experience” and “Immersive Disney Animation,” along with creating “Stories,” a permanent walk-through experience at the World of Coca-Cola celebrating the brand’s 139-year history.

Korins is currently crafting experiences for The Georgia O’Keeffe and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage museums. At Sotheby’s, he created several exhibitions and reimagined their global auction experience.

Additionally, Korins collaborated with artists like Bruno Mars, Andrea Bocelli and Lady Gaga, designed several restaurants and the Drama Bookshop, and was lead creative at Bonnaroo and Outside Lands music festivals. He had residences with TED Conferences and Twitter, is designing an arts center in Millbrook, New York, and is the director of David Blaine’s live show.