Denzel Washington has been selected to deliver the University’s 255th Commencement address on May 16.
The actor and director represents something of a departure from Commencement speakers of recent years, who have more frequently come from the precincts of politics or commerce than the world of arts and culture. Washington has won two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, and a Tony for his work in productions such as Glory, The Hurricane, and Malcolm X. As the father of College sophomore Malcolm Washington, he also has a personal tie to Penn.
The Hollywood icon will be one of seven recipients of honorary degrees at this year’s ceremony. The others are Renée C. Fox, Professor Emerita of the Social Sciences at Penn; mobile-communications expert Mo Ibrahim; Pulitzer Prize-winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn; Nobel laureate Ei-ichi Negishi Gr’63; and author Joyce Carol Oates.
—Laura Francis C’13
