Northwestern University

06/12/2025 | Press release | Archived content

Northwestern University celebrates 167th Commencement at the United Center

  • For Journalists
  • News Releases
  • Latest Releases
  • News Release

Northwestern University celebrates 167th Commencement at the United Center

Actor Steve Carell delivering the commencement address tells graduates "kindness isn't a weakness"

Media Information

  • Release Date: June 12, 2025

Media Contacts

Stephen J. Lewis

  • (847) 491-0844
  • Email Stephen J.

Northwestern University celebrated its 167th annual commencement on Sunday, June 15, at the United Center in Chicago. This is the second consecutive year the ceremony has been held at the United Center. Family, friends, and supporters filled the arena to cheer on more than 2,500 Northwestern graduates in attendance for the ceremony and gave them a joyful and spirited sendoff.

Actor and comedian Steve Carell delivered this year's commencement address, blending humor with heartfelt advice. Carell reminded graduates that "kindness isn't a weakness-it is a very potent strength." He also encouraged the Class of 2025 to harness their insecurities and channel them into something constructive, saying, "turn your jealousy into admiration and use it to fuel your ambition in a positive way."

Carell was also presented with an honorary degreealong with three others.

Multimedia Downloads

  • Images
  • B-Roll
  • Interviews
Images
OpenClose

Photo selects of 2025 Graduation

Download
Northwestern University Commencement speaker Steve Carell waves to graduates ¬- photo credit Northwestern University
B-Roll
OpenClose
Interviews
OpenClose
Northwestern University published this content on June 12, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 15, 2025 at 22:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io