Latest news with #HumaneLetters
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jennifer Coolidge delivers heartfelt commencement speech about being a ‘very strange kid'
In true form, Jennifer Coolidge delivered a commencement speech to Emerson College's graduating class of 2025 that was equal parts comedic and heartfelt. The American Pie star, 63, who studied performing arts at the Boston institution in 1985 before dropping out, per returned to her alma mater Sunday to speak to the eager new graduates. 'I'm excited that I'm speaking with some very excited gay students… [and] some less exciting hetero students,' Coolidge began, prompting widespread cheers and laughter from the audience. Reflecting on her long-winding journey from growing up '40 miles down the road' to the current day, the Emmy-winning White Lotus actor declared: 'If you had told the kids that I grew up with that ... one day I would have this opportunity like this, they would've laughed in your face.' She noted that she was a 'very strange kid.' Going on to address the families in attendance, Coolidge said: 'To all the parents and caregivers in the audience that are worried about their kids succeeding, I just want to say: 'Don't.'' She went on to recall a 'traumatizing' childhood memory from elementary school, when she was disqualified from her first-grade class's field day. Although Coolidge finished the competition first, she said she forgot to complete the event's obstacle course. 'I'm excited that I'm speaking with some very excited gay students… [and] some less exciting hetero students'— Jennifer Coolidge speaking at Emerson College's graduation. — Pop Base (@PopBase) May 12, 2025 'And then the teacher came up to me and told me that I didn't win the blue ribbon because I was disqualified,' she remembered. 'And it turns out, I had skipped all of the obstacles. I just ran along the outside.' She said that the moment led to years of relentless teasing from fellow classmates, who had 'pretty thick Boston accents,' which she quipped made everything 'sound so much meaner.' Finally making her way to the moral of the story, Coolidge said: 'Don't listen to the people who mess up the real story that you've got going. 'It really doesn't matter what anyone thinks or says. I mean, when it comes to the obstacle course of your life, you have to find your own path. And you can't perfectly plan it out from the beginning. And part of directing your life is just letting it unfold.' In conclusion, the Legally Blonde star congratulated the graduates, saying: 'As Elle Woods, my co-partner in crime, would say, 'We did it!'' At the ceremony, Coolidge additionally received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
National News
30-04-2025
- Health
- National News
AUB to Award Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Christiana Figueres, Raif Geha, and Philip Khoury in May
NNA - President of the American University of Beirut (AUB) Fadlo Khuri announced that during AUB's 156th commencement exercises on May 30, 2025, the university will confer its highest honor—the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters—on three exceptional leaders whose work has had an enduring impact in service across global domains. "By honoring these luminaries, we reaffirm AUB's unwavering commitment to the values they embody and inspire. Their resolute dedication in advocating knowledge discovery and exchange, their excellence in service of humankind, and their steadfastness in the face of adversity reflect the very mission of our university," Khuri said. He continued presenting: "trailblazer in climate diplomacy Christiana Figueres, esteemed physician-scientist Raif Geha, and eminent historian Philip Khoury." "Christiana Figueres is a global leader in climate action. As UNFCCC executive secretary, she rebuilt trust and united 195 nations behind the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. She co-founded Global Optimism and co-authored The Future We Choose, advocating "stubborn optimism." She also co-hosts the podcast Outrage + Optimism, where activists, scientists, and policymakers explore climate change challenges. In recent years, she has championed integrating financial investment and nature conservation to achieve sustainable outcomes for both the planet and the economy. Her honors include the UN Champion of the Earth Award, France's Legion d'Honneur, and a UK Damehood." "Dr. Raif S. Geha (BS General '65, MD '69), James Gamble Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, is a world-recognized allergist, immunologist, and clinician who has advanced the understanding of immunodeficiency and allergic diseases. He transformed the Boston Children's Hospital into a global center for excellence in pediatric immunology and is renowned for identifying the genetic causes of primary immunodeficiencies and studies in the mechanisms of eczema. He established the International Consortium for Immune Deficiency, a network of more than 35 centers in 25 countries aimed at advancing research and clinical care of patients with immunodeficiency." "Dr. Philip S. Khoury, chairman emeritus of the American University of Beirut Board of Trustees, is one of the preeminent historians of the last two centuries of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Among the most renowned scholars of the modern Middle East, he holds the Ford International Professorship of History at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also serves as vice provost. Over his transformative career, he has made significant contributions to the academic discourse and held influential roles at prominent institutions, earning numerous fellowships and honors. He has been instrumental in AUB's exceptional growth and resilience, leading its distinguished board for 15 years. An advocate for academic freedom, social justice, and geopolitical participation, his work continues to shape the intellectual landscape and foster global change." "We proudly welcome these inspirational role models to the distinguished community of AUB's honorary degree recipients—people who lead with purpose, drive progress, and commit to building a just and sustainable future. The American University of Beirut and its community thank them for their dedication toward creating a better world and improving lives worldwide," Khuri concluded. ==========R.H.
