Evanston, IL – Actress Sarah Jessica Parker will address Northwestern University’s Class of 2026 at the school’s 168th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 14, at the United Center in Chicago, the university announced Tuesday. The announcement solidifies a tradition of high-profile speakers at Northwestern, following recent addresses by Steve Carell and Kathryn Hahn. Parker’s selection as commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Arts degree recognizes not only her celebrated acting career but also her broader contributions to the arts and humanities.
Best known for her iconic role as Carrie Bradshaw in the groundbreaking television series “Sex and the City,” Parker has develop into a cultural touchstone over a career spanning more than five decades. The display, which ran for six seasons and spawned two films and three spin-off seasons, earned her numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. Her portrayal of Bradshaw cemented her status as a fashion icon and a voice for modern women, influencing trends and conversations for nearly three decades.
A Career Beyond Carrie Bradshaw
Although indelibly linked to Carrie Bradshaw, Parker’s career extends far beyond the world of “Sex and the City.” She has appeared in numerous films, including the beloved Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus” and its 2022 sequel, “Hocus Pocus 2.” Parker has also maintained a consistent presence on television and Broadway, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Beyond acting, she has proven herself a savvy entrepreneur and producer.
In 2005, Parker launched Pretty Matches Productions, her own production company, showcasing her commitment to storytelling from behind the camera. More recently, in 2023, she founded SJP Lit, a literary imprint, further expanding her creative endeavors into the world of publishing. These ventures demonstrate a dedication to fostering new voices and narratives within the entertainment industry.
Parker’s Response and University Praise
“I’m truly honored to have been invited to serve as this year’s commencement speaker,” Parker said in a statement released by the university. “It’s a privilege to celebrate the graduating class whose years of hard work, dedication to their studies, commitment to one another, their community and the larger world deserve recognition.”
Interim University President Henry S. Bienen echoed this sentiment, stating, “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 highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of Parker’s career, noting that it “speaks to the interdisciplinary approach we value and champion at Northwestern.”
A History of Distinguished Speakers
Northwestern’s tradition of inviting prominent figures to address its graduating classes continued with this year’s selection. In 2025, actor Steve Carell delivered the commencement address, emphasizing the importance of respect and kindness. Prior to that, in February 2025, the university announced Carell as the 2025 speaker. Kathryn Hahn addressed the Class of 2024, declaring the graduating class “worthy of celebration.”
Parker’s commitment extends beyond entertainment. She currently serves as a vice chair on the New York City Ballet Board of Directors and was appointed by the Obama administration in 2009 to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to cultural institutions and public service.
The university will confer upon Parker an honorary degree of Doctor of Arts during the ceremony, in addition to her role as the commencement speaker. She will also be recognized with the Golden Globe Foundation’s Carol Burnett Award in 2026 for her contributions to television.
Graduates and their families can find more information about the commencement ceremony, including parking and accessibility details, on the Northwestern University News website. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. On June 14th at the United Center in Chicago.
As Northwestern’s Class of 2026 prepares to embark on their next chapter, Sarah Jessica Parker’s address promises to be a memorable occasion, celebrating their achievements and inspiring them to pursue their passions with dedication and purpose. The university will continue to release details regarding the ceremony in the coming months.
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