Who spoke at your college graduation? Do you even remember? Maybe it was the class valedictorian, or maybe it was somebody more famous. On a cold drizzly morning, actress Kerry Washington spoke at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
The lucky graduates, on May 19, were treated to a speech mixed with seriousness and humor. Her address lasted about 15 minutes and ranged on topics from her experiences during her university days to discovering acting. The class of 2013 and attendees, on National Mall, were thrilled.
Kerry, who starred in “Django Unchained,” “Ray” and “The Last King of Scotland,” graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1998. She currently stars in the television show “Scandal.”
Actress Kerry Washington spoke at GWU’s 2013 Commencement.
Despite all her success, she remained down to earth and employed some self-depreciating humor. “Year after year, GW sends its graduates into the world on the wings of advice from esteemed leaders and thinkers. And this year — you got me.”
“I know what some of you are thinking. You’re thinking, ‘We’re celebrating our academic and intellectual achievement with that lady who’s having an affair with the president on that TV show?’” she asked. What was the response from the audience? According to The Washington Post, they chanted her name and screamed, “We love you, Kerry!”
In closing, she said, “You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell. Don’t be surprised if you get a call from me wanting to option the really good stories and turn them into movies, because I’m sooo Hollywood now.”
Some past commencement speakers include New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NBC News anchor Brian Williams and First Lady Michelle Obama.
