Christopher L. Eisgruber President | Official website of Princeton University
Christopher L. Eisgruber President | Official website of Princeton University
Emmy-award winning actor Sam Waterston has been announced as the speaker for Princeton University's 2024 Class Day ceremony. Waterston, best known for his role as district attorney Jack McCoy on the long-running NBC series "Law & Order," will address the graduating seniors on Monday, May 27, on Cannon Green.
Waterston, who recently concluded his tenure on "Law & Order" after more than 400 episodes, is revered for his dedication to his craft. Speaking about his character Jack McCoy, Waterston once stated, “He doesn’t just think he’s right — he knows he’s right and he loves the fight.”
The Class Day Committee commended Waterston's illustrious career, spanning over five decades and encompassing various memorable roles on television, film, and stage. His portrayal of characters like Hamlet on Broadway and J. Robert Oppenheimer in a BBC miniseries has earned him critical acclaim and nominations for prestigious awards such as the Emmy, Academy, and Tony.
Reflecting on Waterston's impact on popular culture, Class of 2024 President Sydney Johnson highlighted his diverse roles, ranging from appearances on "Family Guy" and "SNL" to recent projects on Hulu and Netflix. Johnson stated, “He has made a lasting mark on generations of pop culture.”
Apart from his acting prowess, Waterston is recognized for his advocacy work in areas such as climate activism and refugee rights. His commitment to humanitarian causes has been acknowledged with accolades like the Goodermote Humanitarian Award from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Class Day Committee co-chair Aisha Chebbi praised Waterston for embodying Princeton University's motto of 'In the nation’s service and the service of humanity,' emphasizing his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
In a final message to the graduating seniors, Johnson expressed the committee's aspiration to follow in Waterston's footsteps by embracing a life of service. Alongside Johnson and Chebbi, Brian Li and Julie Levey are serving as co-chairs for the Class Day ceremony.
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