Hugh Jackman Announced For Ball State 2026 Ceremony

The students graduating from Ball State University this year are in for a very special treat at the upcoming commencement ceremony. School officials just announced that one of the most popular actors of the last 20 years will be the special guest speaker.

One of the Biggest Stars in the World is Coming to Indiana

Hugh Jackman – yep, that Hugh Jackman – is making the long trip from the land down under to Muncie to deliver the Spring Commencement address for the Class of 2026. Actually, he primarily lives in New York, so it’s a slightly shorter trip!

Hugh is a talented and versatile artist and an enthusiastic advocate for the arts and humanities. For these reasons and many more, I am grateful that he accepted my invitation to be our Commencement speaker. I appreciate that Hugh continues to be gracious in sharing his time and talent with our University community, and I look forward to hearing his address to our Class of 2026. ~ Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns.

Why Hugh Jackman Is Speaking At Ball State?

After hearing the exciting news, I couldn’t help but wonder why. Who thought to ask Jackman to speak, and why did he accept? Apparently, he has a bit of a connection to Ball State. Jackman visited campus a couple of times last year, including a stop with Broadway star and Ball State instructor Sutton Foster, and even hosted a local screening of his film Song Sung Blue. So, this isn’t just a one-time visit. He has clearly made an impression on the university community.

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The big day is set for Saturday, May 2, at 10 am, when about 2,800 students will earn degrees ranging from bachelor’s all the way up to doctoral levels. Even Hugh won’t leave empty-handed. School officials say Mr. Jackman will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in recognition of his contributions to film, theatre, and the arts in general.

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