Northwestern University has announced that acclaimed actress, producer, and entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker will deliver the commencement address to the graduating Class of 2026. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at the United Center in Chicago, where Parker will also be honored with a Doctor of Arts degree for her contributions to the entertainment industry and cultural landscape.
The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m., marking the university's 168th commencement celebration. Parker's selection as speaker recognizes her five-decade career that has left an indelible mark on television, film, and theater, while her commitment to advancing the arts and amplifying underrepresented voices aligns with Northwestern's institutional values.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles and Critical Acclaim
Parker's most celebrated portrayal remains that of Carrie Bradshaw in the groundbreaking series "Sex and the City," which ran for six seasons and spawned two feature films plus the recent continuation "And Just Like That." Her performance earned her four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards, cementing her status as one of television's most decorated actresses.
Beyond this iconic role, Parker has demonstrated remarkable versatility across mediums. Her recent work includes starring alongside Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy in "Hocus Pocus 2," the long-awaited sequel to the 1993 cult classic. The film showcased Parker's enduring ability to blend wit and quirkiness in fantasy comedy, delighting both original fans and new audiences.
Championing Arts and Humanities
Interim President Henry S. Bienen expressed enthusiasm about Parker's selection, noting her longstanding advocacy for arts and humanities education. "Sarah Jessica Parker has been a strong supporter of the arts and humanities for many years, and I am thrilled she will be our commencement speaker," Bienen stated. He highlighted how Parker's multifaceted career—as a performer, producer, and businesswoman—exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach Northwestern champions.
Parker's influence extends beyond entertainment into cultural entrepreneurship and social impact. She has consistently leveraged her platform to elevate diverse narratives and support artistic communities, making her an inspirational figure for graduates preparing to navigate an increasingly complex professional landscape.
A Message for the Graduates
In her statement, Parker conveyed deep honor at the invitation. "I'm truly honored to have been invited to serve as this year's commencement speaker," she said. "It's a privilege to celebrate a graduating class whose years of hard work, dedication to their studies, commitment to one another, their community and the larger world deserve real recognition."
She added, "I'm very much looking forward to addressing the Class of 2026 as they step into what I know will be an exciting and promising future. Congratulations to the graduates, it will be a thrill to celebrate your achievement."
These words reflect Parker's appreciation for academic perseverance and community engagement—qualities she has demonstrated throughout her own career trajectory.
Theatrical Roots and Broadway Excellence
Parker's artistic journey began on stage when she debuted on Broadway in 1976 in Harold Pinter's "The Innocents" at just 11 years old. She subsequently captured audiences as the title character in "Annie" and appeared in productions such as "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Once Upon a Mattress."
Her recent return to Broadway opposite husband Matthew Broderick in Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite" proved phenomenally successful, becoming the third highest-grossing play revival in Broadway history. This achievement underscores her enduring theatrical prowess and ability to draw audiences across generations.
A Diverse Portfolio of Work
Parker's television credits extend beyond her signature role to include early career-defining performances in "Square Pegs" and "Equal Justice." Her filmography demonstrates impressive range, featuring comedies like "Failure to Launch" and "The Family Stone," dramas such as "L.A. Story" and "Extreme Measures," and independent films including "Smart People" and "If Lucy Fell."
This breadth of work illustrates Parker's refusal to be typecast, instead pursuing projects that challenge her creatively while resonating with varied audiences.
Entrepreneurship and Creative Leadership
Beyond performing, Parker has established herself as a savvy businesswoman and producer. Her entrepreneurial ventures reflect a sophisticated understanding of brand building and creative control, further demonstrating the interdisciplinary excellence Northwestern seeks to cultivate in its students.
Her production work has enabled her to champion stories that might otherwise go untold, particularly those centering women's experiences and underrepresented communities. This commitment to purposeful storytelling mirrors the university's emphasis on using education for positive social impact.
An Inspiration for Interdisciplinary Success
Parker's career trajectory offers a compelling model for Northwestern graduates, many of whom will pursue non-linear professional paths combining multiple interests and skills. Her ability to excel as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur while maintaining artistic integrity provides a real-world example of how to navigate modern career landscapes.
The Class of 2026 will enter a world where adaptability, creative thinking, and social consciousness are paramount—qualities Parker has embodied throughout her five decades in entertainment. Her address promises to offer wisdom gleaned from both triumphs and challenges in an industry known for its volatility.
Looking Ahead to Commencement
As June 14 approaches, anticipation builds for what Parker will share with graduates and their families. The United Center, typically home to Chicago's sports teams, will transform into a space of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking inspiration.
Parker's honorary Doctor of Arts degree recognizes not only her artistic achievements but also her role as a cultural influencer who has shaped conversations around fashion, relationships, female empowerment, and urban life through her work. For Northwestern students, particularly those in performing arts, media, and communications programs, her presence represents a bridge between academic theory and professional practice.
The commencement ceremony will serve as both conclusion and commencement—an ending to years of rigorous study and a beginning of promising futures. Having Parker as a guide for this transition offers graduates a unique perspective from someone who has successfully reinvented herself while staying true to her artistic vision.
A Legacy of Excellence
From child Broadway star to fashion icon to respected producer, Sarah Jessica Parker's evolution in the entertainment industry demonstrates the power of perseverance, versatility, and authentic self-expression. Her journey from the stages of New York to the screens of Hollywood and back again provides a roadmap for creative professionals seeking longevity in their careers.
Northwestern's selection of Parker as commencement speaker acknowledges that success in the 21st century requires more than specialized knowledge—it demands curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to using one's talents for broader cultural enrichment. As the Class of 2026 prepares to receive their diplomas, they will also receive insights from a woman who has masterfully navigated the intersection of art, commerce, and social impact.
The university's 168th commencement promises to be a memorable celebration of achievement, community, and the limitless potential that awaits graduates as they step into their own exciting and promising futures.