Kean announces graduation speakers

Published by May 5, 2019

Award-winning actor Jeff Daniels, known as the ethical TV anchor in HBO’s series “The Newsroom” and the lovable half-wit in the comedy “Dumb & Dumber,” among numerous other roles, is Kean University’s undergraduate commencement speaker on May 23 at the Prudential Center in Newark, according to a news release.

Comedian and actress Nancy Giles, the “pundette” contributor on CBS News Sunday, will speak at the Nathan Weiss Graduate College Commencement on May 17 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.

Daniels, who has been in countless films, TV shows and theatrical performances, was awarded 2013’s best lead actor Emmy for his portrayal of newscaster Will McAvoy. Last year, he garnered another Emmy for his role in Netflix’s “Godless.”

Now starring on Broadway as Atticus Finch in the blockbuster adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” he also stands out to audiences for his roles in 2005’s “Good Night and Good Luck” and in 1983’s “Terms of Endearment.” Just this week, Daniels was nominated for a Tony Award, his third nominated performance in theatre.

Giles is a veteran of Chicago’s famed Second City improv troupe, Giles appeared for three seasons on the TV drama China Beach. She has written and performed one-woman shows, including The Further Adventures of the Accidental Pundette and Notes of a Negro Neurotic and has a successful voiceover career, including as the voice of The Food Network.

Kean University is expected to award more than 2,800 undergraduate degrees and more than 700 graduate degrees at this year’s commencement ceremonies.

All of the above information is based on a press release from Kean University’s “Kean News.”

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