The 2024-25 school year is nearing its end at Seattle University, and students are preparing to walk across the stage at the upcoming commencement ceremony, scheduled for June 16 at Climate Pledge Arena. The annual event marks a major milestone for the graduates, who gather with friends, family and faculty to celebrate the last four years and their growth towards academic excellence.

In early May, students were notified of the commencement speaker via email or other communication outlets. The speaker selected for the undergraduate ceremony is actress and University of Washington alumni Anna Faris. Faris, a Washington state native, graduated from Edmonds-Woodway High School and gained notoriety for her comedic roles in films like “The House Bunny,” “Scary Movie” and her work on the CBS sitcom “Mom.”

Seattle U’s past commencement speakers have included a range of public figures, including former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin and National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. The university selects its commencement speakers through a committee under the Board of Trustees, which reviews recommendations and finalizes the choice.

Despite Faris’ celebrity status, reactions among students were mixed. While some were excited by the news of hearing from a Hollywood actress, others questioned the relevance of the choice.

Fourth-year Communication and Media Major Pasheen Johnson shared her reaction to the announcement.

“I learned about it from my friends group chat, cause I got the email and looked at it. I was like ‘Anna Faris at the graduation, what?’ It was interesting.”

Johnson said she wasn’t immediately aware of Faris’ background or her connection to Seattle.

“I think I was a little confused, more shocked because I would’ve never guessed. I don’t know much about Anna Farris, I wasn’t sure about what her connection would be here.”

Although the choice may be untraditional compared to previous years, Johnson said she’s ultimately excited to see a celebrity in person at graduation.

“This is kinda cool that we’ll have a famous person,” Johnson said.

Abigail Fisher, a fourth-year sociology major, also heard the news through word of mouth.

“We were all like ‘Anna Faris, like OK, yeah.’ It was very much a ripple effect,” Fisher said.

Fisher said that while she understands the skepticism other students expressed, she doesn’t necessarily share those concerns.

“I definitely understand why people are like ‘why is Anna Faris speaking?’ I also don’t know what a commencement speaker is supposed to be. I think it makes sense why she’s speaking, it’s a bit random, but I am not mad at it,” Fisher said.

She pointed out that many students might enjoy the surprise factor and welcomed the break from tradition.

“If you know who Anna Faris is, people would be kind of excited. I am familiar with her work, but other people were like ‘Who the hell is that?’ As long as there is some kind of link to our school there isn’t a problem with having random speakers.”

Fisher mentioned that what matters most is whether the speaker connects with students on graduation day.

“As long as she’s a good speaker and is entertaining, I have no problem. I don’t really know who spoke in the past,” Fisher said.

Fourth-year Kinesiology Major Andrew Pascual, however, admitted he was unfamiliar with Faris and didn’t feel particularly moved by the announcement.

When asked for his thoughts, Pascual replied:

“I respectfully have no idea who that is.”

He added that Faris’ Hollywood background didn’t necessarily resonate with him or relate to his academic experience.

“I don’t know too much, honestly, I am not into that field.”

Though some students might have preferred a speaker more connected to Seattle or to Seattle U, others said the value of a commencement speaker can come from the inspiration they offer, rather than their resume alone.

As the class of 2025 prepares for life beyond college, many students say they are approaching the ceremony with open minds.

While reactions remain mixed, many students are choosing to keep an open mind and look forward to hearing Faris’ message on graduation day.