Jennifer Coolidge, an award-winning actor known for her numerous iconic roles in film and on television, will deliver the 2024 Commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.
The Saint Louis native, who played 7 years of professional soccer against the likes of Pele in the North American League (NASL), came to WashU after leading the Saint Louis University men’s soccer program for 14 years.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, Washington University retired Shelby Jordan’s jersey number at a halftime ceremony during the Bears’ third home football game. Jordan who passed away last year on Sept. 9 played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He wore the number 78.
“When I first started at Washington University in St. Louis, the idea of it becoming need-blind wasn't even on the table,” said Lauren Chase, the former president of WU/Washington University for Undergraduate Socioeconomic Diversity (WU/FUSED).
In his remarks to the Washington University in St. Louis Class of 2023, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin encouraged graduates to "remember your resilience, and use your creativity, your curiosity, your care and your courage to change the world."