APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – An acclaimed actor will be this year’s commencement speaker at Lawrence University.
Anthony Mackie, who has become Marvel’s new Captain America and is working on the upcoming series Twisted Metal, will speak to graduates in Appleton on Sunday, June 12.
“I am honored and excited to address the graduates of Lawrence on this monumental day on their journey to becoming their best selves,” Mackie said.
He also will receive an honorary doctorate degree.
Mackie comes to Lawrence via a personal connection with President Laurie A. Carter, who served as a mentor to Mackie while she was on the leadership team at The Juilliard School in New York City and he was a student.
Mackie has also had notable roles in movies like 8 Mile, Million Dollar Baby and The Hurt Locker. He also portrayed Tupac Sakur in Notorious in 2009.
Lawrence’s Commencement ceremony will return to its traditional location on Main Hall Green after being relocated to the Banta Bowl amid last year’s pandemic protocols.
It will begin at 10 a.m., concluding a celebratory weekend that will include a Commencement concert in Memorial Chapel on Friday night and a Baccalaureate Service in the Chapel on Saturday afternoon.
