Carly Murphy
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Friday evening, Emmy-winning actor, writer, and director Bill Hader delivered a sincere and light-hearted commencement address at Chapman University, where he was also awarded an honorary Doctor of the Arts degree.
Students in the class of 2024 finally had the chance to walk across a graduation stage as the pandemic prevented them from doing so at their high school graduation ceremony. This evening was a time for the 2,600 graduates to celebrate their achievements and reflect on their time spent at Chapman.
Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa began the proceedings with advice for the students. “This is the bookend to your journey as a student but just the beginning of your lifelong journey of learning. This weekend you will walk across the stage and experience one of the most important moments of your life. My recommendation – enjoy it.”
Hader started his address with his signature humor, greeting the audience with a casual “Hey guys.” His speech, filled with anecdotes and practical advice, was well-received by graduates, families, and the Chapman community.
“I guess the main thing I would say is do a good job, be on time, learn from your mistakes, be drama free, and you’ll work forever. “
Hader’s 25 years spent in Hollywood provided fodder for humorous stories about his humble beginnings to his current achievements, “I’m here right now. I’m a doctor, dude.”
Chapman’s graduation ceremonies will continue throughout the weekend on Wilson Field in Orange, California.
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About Chapman University
Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university in Orange, California, about 30 miles south of Los Angeles. Chapman serves nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can choose from 123 areas of study within 11 colleges for a personalized education. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution. Students at Chapman learn directly from distinguished world-class faculty including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, published authors and Academy Award winners. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. The university features the No. 4 film school and No. 60 business school in the U.S. Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu.
