Chapman announces commencement speakers Bill Hader, Uzo Abuda for this year’s graduation

Chapman revealed that comedian Bill Hader and actress Uzo Aduba will speak at the class of 2024 graduation ceremonies. Photo collage by EMILY PARIS, Photo Editor

Comedian Bill Hader is coming to speak at Chapman’s 2024 commencement ceremony tonight, May 17. 

Many Chapman students are familiar with Hader as he recently participated in a master class at the school in March of this year. Hader is a comedian and actor, who is best known for his roles in “Saturday Night Live,” “Barry,” “It Chapter Two” and more. 

In an April 29 press release, Chapman President Daniele Struppa explained why Hader was chosen to speak tonight. 

“Bill Hader is a true inspiration to our graduating students, embodying a spirit of curiosity and perseverance,” Struppa said. “His remarkable journey from ‘Saturday Night Live’ to creating, directing and starring in the award-winning series ‘Barry’ is a testament to the possibilities engendered when entrepreneurship and creativity combine.”

Senior screenwriting major Nina Gee attended the master class that was hosted earlier in the year with Hader. She explained why she was very excited to find out he would be this year’s commencement speaker.

“I attended the master class he did at Dodge a little while ago, and he really seemed to like us, so I’m glad he liked us enough to come back and speak at our graduation,” Gee told The Panther. “I want to go into comedy, and I’m a huge fan of (Hader), all the way from his SNL days to the stuff he’s doing now like ‘Barry,’ so this is a real treat for me.”

Hader will also be presented with an honorary Doctor of the Arts degree, similar to last year’s speaker, Golden Globe winner Angela Bassett. 

Fellow senior Alexandra Zuch, who is majoring in computer science, explained what her hopes are for Hader speaking at commencement.

“I was really excited when they announced Bill Hader as the commencement speaker,” Zuch said. “He was one of my favorite actors on SNL, and I loved his character Stefon. When I texted my parents about it, my dad told me he hopes (Hader) makes some SNL references during his speech.”

On May 6, Uzo Aduba was announced as the commencement speaker for the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts individual ceremony that will take place on May 18. Aduba is a three-time Emmy winner for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Mrs. America.”

In a press release sent out to the Dodge community the same day, Dodge College Dean Stephen Galloway explained the importance of having Aduba speak at Chapman, specifically for Dodge students and their families.

“Uzo Aduba is one of the exceptional talents of our time,” Galloway said in the press release. “She represents everything we most cherish at Dodge College: a fierce intelligence, originality and the highest commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to have her as our Commencement speaker this year.”