Acclaimed Actor to Address Students as They Take Center Stage at
Graduation Ceremony in Chicago
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
American InterContinental University (AIU) graduates and their families
can look forward to words of wisdom and encouragement from noted actor
Blair Underwood when he delivers their commencement address this summer.
Sharing insights on how his own education influenced his life and
noteworthy career, Underwood will impart his experiences to inspire
students at the AIU Online graduation ceremony in Chicago on Aug. 8,
2015.
Best known for his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins on the NBC legal
drama “L.A. Law” and recurring role in HBO’s “Sex in the City,”
Underwood was selected as AIU’s commencement speaker not only for his
own achievements but for the example he sets for the graduates as a
professional and humanitarian. His words and work will encourage AIU
graduates to take advantage of their education in shaping their futures
and remind them to always stay motivated to pursue their personal and
professional goals.
“Graduation at AIU is a celebration of each student’s personal
accomplishments, recognizing their completion of academic programs that
will prepare them for future success at a pivotal point in their lives,”
said Dr. George Miller, President of AIU. “Blair Underwood’s own
accomplishments and journey to success will undoubtedly inspire students
to pursue their dreams as they move forward to their next chapter.”
Underwood, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, served as an
“Artist in Residence” at Harvard University in 2009 and also was awarded
an honorary doctorate from Emerson College in Boston. Currently, he
plays Dr. Andrew Garner on ABC’s “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” The
two-time Golden Globe nominee and seven-time winner of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award
also recently starred in NBC dramas “Ironside” and “The Event.”
“This past year has marked such exciting changes in my own career, and
there is no better feeling than knowing all of your dedication and hard
work is paying off,” Underwood said. “As AIU students take to the stage
for their commencement ceremony, I hope to inspire them to seize the
moment and recognize their accomplishment of this important milestone,
while looking forward to even greater success in the future.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Underwood also serves
as a role model for graduating students as a strong supporter of
humanitarian initiatives. He is a co-founder of Artists for a New South
Africa (ANSA), which is dedicated to combating HIV/AIDs, assisting
children orphaned by the disease, advancing human and civil rights, and
educating and empowering youth. He also has been recognized for his work
with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
A best-selling published author, Underwood has also found success in the
literary world and has a fifth novel set to release in September 2015.
Showcasing Student Achievement
AIU’s commencement ceremony will also spotlight the stories and advice
of student and alumni speakers. Class of 2015 graduates can apply to
become the AIU Graduating Class Speaker by submitting a speech
highlighting the personal and educational experiences that shaped the
path to their degree via email at [email protected]
by July 17. Previous graduates are invited to apply for the annual Distinguished
Alumni Award, which recognizes the professional and academic
successes of alumni after completing their degree at AIU. Applications
will be accepted through May 31.
Commencement Events
AIU’s 2015 commencement ceremony will take place Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11
a.m. at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom in Chicago. Underwood will also
participate in a special meet-and-greet Alumni Evening event for
graduates on Friday, Aug. 7, at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse in
Chicago.
Graduates also will be able to share their experiences with family and
friends who are unable to attend in person through AIU’s social photo
booth. The social photo booth will be available at the Alumni Evening
and commencement ceremony and will allow students to take photos
celebrating their special day and share them in real-time on their
personal Facebook and Twitter pages.
In the last 10 years, AIU has graduated more than 80,000 students
through its online and ground campuses.
To learn more about AIU, visit www.aiuniv.edu.
About American InterContinental University:
Founded in Europe in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a
wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs such as
business, healthcare, IT, criminal justice and education at campuses in
Atlanta and Houston and an Internet-based online campus headquartered in
suburban Chicago. AIU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Additional information is available at www.hlcommission.org.
AIU is a member of the Career Education network of universities,
colleges and institutes. For more information, visit www.aiuniv.edu.
American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment or
salary. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
Transferability of credits is at the sole discretion of the receiving
institution. Find employment rates, financial obligations and other
disclosures at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures.
AIU
Allison Mortland, 847.585.3711
[email protected]
Source: American InterContinental University