The University of Wisconsin announced Thursday that Broadway, television and film actor André De Shields will speak at spring commencement.
De Shields will speak at all four ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 19 and 20.
De Shields graduated from UW and, according to UW Communications, started his career with "Stuart Gordon's infamous 1968 nude production" of Peter Pan on campus before moving onto Broadway with his Emmy Award-winning performance in "Ain't Misbehavin'" and Tony Award-nominated performances in "Play On!" and "The Full Monty," among others.
De Shields has played roles in the films "Extreme Measure" with Hugh Grant and "Prison" with Viggo Mortensen, along with his television appearances on "Sex and the City," "As the World Turns," "Cosby" and "Law and Order."
Searching for a speaker is a collaborative process between senior students and the University of Wisconsin's Office of the Secretary of the Faculty, which begins a year in advance, according to Secretary of the Faculty David Musolf.
"He is a very accomplished individual in the theater, on stage and in television — he has a wonderful broad spectrum of life experiences," Musolf said. "Usually our speakers speak from life experience and challenge the graduates to lead productive, exemplary lives."
Dylan Rath, senior class treasurer and ASM chair, said because UW doesn't pay speakers an honorarium, they have a difficult time booking a famous individual.
"It is a challenge because we have no budget," Rath added. "We get a recognizable person or distinguished alum; we want someone with a unique message."
Musolf said with paying only travel expenses, the committee needs to find someone with a tie to the university, such as De Shields.
"I think the senior class officers look at individuals from Wisconsin who have significant accomplishment and something to offer graduates and families that are there," Musolf said. "I think he's very accomplished; he'll do fine job — he's proud to be from Madison."
De Shields, a native of Baltimore, was awarded an honorary degree from UW in 2004.
— Heather Quitos contributed to this report.
