Jennifer Coolidge to Be Emerson’s 2025 Commencement Speaker

Golden Globe-winning actress and Emerson alum Jennifer Coolidge will deliver the commencement speech to the Class of 2025 on Sunday, May 11, at the Agganis Arena in Boston, where she will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Coolidge currently is starring in Dito Montiel’s Riff Raff opposite Bill Murray, Ed Harris, and Lewis Pullman. She will soon star opposite Jack Black and Jason Momoa in Warner Bros’ Minecraft, directed by Jared Hess and premiering in April 2025. The film is based on the bestselling video game of all time, with 300 million copies sold and nearly 140 million monthly active players. 

Coolidge recently garnered critical acclaim for her portrayal of the fan-favorite character Tanya McQuoid in HBO’s The White Lotus.  Her portrayal earned her multiple awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award, Critics Choice Award, Gotham Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe. 

Coolidge is known for her iconic roles in American Pie, Legally Blonde, Best In Show, Promising Young Woman, and the critically acclaimed series The Watcher.

Originally from Boston, Coolidge studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and was a nine-year veteran of The Groundlings comedy troupe in Los Angeles. 

“Emerson College is deeply honored to welcome the incredibly talented and always funny Jennifer Coolidge back to her alma mater as our commencement keynote speaker,” said President Jay Bernhardt. “Jennifer embodies Emersonian creativity and originality through and through. We are thrilled that our graduating students will hear Jennifer’s story.”

Approximately 1,000 undergraduate students will receive their degrees during the Commencement Ceremony, which will be streamed live at emerson.edu/live.

Graduate Hooding Ceremonies for the School of the Arts and School of Communication will be held the day prior at the Shubert Theatre.