Two-time Academy Award winner Hillary Swank will deliver Chapman University’s commencement address Friday night at Wilson Field.
Swank follows another Hollywood star, comedian Bill Hader, who delivered the 2024 commencement address.
Swank won her Oscars in 2000 for her leading role in “Boys Don’t Cry” and 2005 for another leading role in “Million Dollar Baby.”
Off camera, Swank has built a charity, The Hilaroo Foundation, that connects abandoned animals with foster children.
“Hilary Swank embodies the resilience, integrity and transformative spirit we strive to instill in our students,” Chapman University President Daniele Struppa said in a statement. “Her extraordinary career, dedication to meaningful storytelling, and commitment to making the world a better place make her an ideal voice to inspire our graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
This commencement weekend, from May 23 through 25, will be Struppa’s last as Chapman’s president. The university’s president since 2016, Struppa announced nearly one year ago that he’d be stepping down following this academic year to return to teaching and publishing.
Executive Vice President Matt Parlow will assume the presidency over the summer.
Over commencement weekend, Chapman will honor more than 2,600 graduates, including 750 earning advanced degrees across the university’s 11 schools and colleges.