MONMOUTH, Ill. — Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said Monmouth alum Gail Simpson Owen is the brother of Jim Simpson. Gail is his sister. The mistake has been corrected and we apologize for the inaccuracy.
Monmouth College's soon-to-be graduates have something else to look forward to on graduation day beyond getting their diplomas.
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, school officials announced that celebrity couple Sigourney Weaver and Jim Simpson will jointly deliver the spring 2024 commencement address on Sunday, May 19. Weaver's Hollywood career spans multiple decades, with her breakout role coming in the 1979 sci-fi horror film "Alien." Simpson has made a similarly star-studded career in theater, directing over 70 works across venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center.
"On this most important day of our year, Monmouth College is greatly honored to have two such accomplished artists speak to our students at Commencement 2024," Monmouth President Clarence Wyatt said. "Ms. Weaver's and Mr. Simpson's respective careers have ranged over a variety of roles and topics. But in every case, their work demonstrates humanity, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Their words at Commencement will have great meaning for us, as does the example of their lives, individually and together."
Simpson's sister Gail Simpson Owen is a Monmouth College graduate.
In addition to delivering the commencement address, Weaver and Simpson will both receive honorary Doctor of Humane Letter degrees.
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