(MENAFN) Harvard University has announced that actor Tom Hanks will be the principal speaker at Harvard's 372nd Commencement, which will be held in Tercentenary Theater on May 25. Hanks, who will also be awarded an honorary degree, joins a list of accomplished recent Harvard Commencement speakers that includes former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern, director and frequent Hanks collaborator Steven Spielberg, and late civil rights activist and U.S. representative John Lewis.
Harvard President Larry Bacow praised Hanks as a "true master of his craft" and noted that over his five-decade career, Hanks has "entertained, enlightened, and befriended us. He has made us laugh, cry, question, and think." Bacow added that Hanks has demonstrated both an innate empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition and has contributed to our national culture while expanding our ability to appreciate stories and histories that have been previously unexamined.
Hanks, 66, has been nominated for an Oscar six times, winning best actor for "Philadelphia" in 1993 and "Forrest Gump" the following year. He has also received numerous other accolades, including the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Kennedy Center Honor in 2014. In 2016, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
As a successful actor and filmmaker, Hanks has become a beloved public figure, known for his acting range and ability to capture the essence of complex characters. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting veterans and military families, cancer research, and education initiatives.
Hanks' selection as the Harvard Commencement speaker comes at a time when universities across the country are grappling with how to proceed with graduation ceremonies during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the university has not yet announced the format of the event, it is expected to adhere to public health guidelines and may be held partially or entirely online. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Harvard's Commencement ceremony remains a significant event, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for its graduates. Hanks' address is sure to offer inspiration and insight to the class of 2023 as they embark on their next chapter in life.
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