Monmouth College announced its 2024 commencement speakers on Tuesday, a long-married couple who has conquered the worlds of theater and film.
Jim Simpson and Sigourney Weaver will jointly deliver the commencement address on Sunday, May 19, speaking on the theme of “creative partnership.”
A distinguished writer and director, Jim Simpson has directed over 70 works for the theater, as well as directing for film and television.
A two-time Obie Award winner for off-Broadway productions in New York City, he also received the 2002 National Board of Review Excellence in Filmmaking award for The Guys.
Sigourney Weaver has been acting since 1974, and along the way has been acclaimed many times over.
Weaver has been nominated for three Oscars, four Emmys, won a BAFTA and a Grammy.
Her breakthrough role and perhaps her best known was as Lt. Ellen Ripley, the hero of 1979’s Alien, and its sequels.
“On this most important day of our year, Monmouth College is greatly honored to have two such accomplished artists speak to our students at Commencement 2024,” said Monmouth President Clarence Wyatt. “Ms. Weaver’s and Mr. Simpson’s respective careers have ranged over a variety of roles and topics. But in every case, their work demonstrates humanity, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
“Their words at Commencement will have great meaning for us, as does the example of their lives, individually and together.”
Simpson and Weaver have been married for 40 years and have one child.
Simpson is the brother of Monmouth College trustee and alumna Gail Simpson Owen.
Simpson and Weaver will each receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters as part of the Commencement Exercises.
