Captain America actor Anthony Mackie to give Lawrence University commencement speech

APPLETON - Anthony Mackie, who portrays Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will give the commencement speech June 12 to Lawrence University's class of 2022, the university announced. Mackie also will receive an honorary doctorate degree.

“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 in a news release.

Mackie has a personal connection with Lawrence University President Laurie A. Carter, according to the news release.

While Carter was on the leadership team at The Juilliard School in New York City, she was a mentor to Mackie, who was a student at the time.

“I knew from the time he was a student at Juilliard that Anthony had big things ahead of him,” Carter said in the news release. “It’s been a pleasure to watch his career blossom, and I am thrilled that he has agreed to honor us at Lawrence to celebrate our 2022 graduates.”

Besides his Marvel roles, Mackie has acted in numerous movies — including "8 Mile," "Million Dollar Baby" and "The Hurt Locker" — and TV shows, as well as performing on Broadway. A New Orleans native, he's also done philanthropic work in Louisiana.

“Anthony is not only a talented performer; he’s also kind, thoughtful and generous,” Carter said. “I can’t wait for him to greet our graduates on the commencement stage.”

The commencement ceremony will start at 10 a.m. on the Main Hall Green, along College Avenue. 

Contact Rebecca Loroff at 920-907-7801 or rloroff@gannett.com.