Sean Astin, a mental health advocate and acclaimed actor, took to the Bender Arena stage on Dec. 15, delivering the keynote address at American University’s 148th commencement. The University awarded him a Doctor of Humane Letters, and he received his master's degree in public administration and policy.
Around 800 American University graduate and undergraduate members packed the arena.
Astin has had an extremely prolific career, starring in many productions such as ‘Lord of the Rings,’ ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘The Goonies’ and ‘Rudy.' He recently appeared in ‘A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter,’ and is currently playing Santa Claus in the Broadway adaptation of ‘Elf.’
Astin’s contributions to the film industry are not his only notable achievements.
“In granting honorary degrees, the University recognizes distinguished individuals whose life work represents the values, knowledge and accomplishments that are embodied in the mission of this institution,” Acting Provost Vicky Wilkins said.
A Doctor of Humane Letters is an academic award for which a university waives typical degree criteria. Universities award it to individuals who have notably impacted society through their philanthropic and humanitarian work.
Wilkins noted how Astin served as a Civilian Aide Emeritus to the Secretary of the Army and a member of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. She also recognized his political podcast, ‘Vox Populi: The Voice of the People’ and his efforts in continuing his mother, Patty Duke’s, mental health advocacy work by speaking to members of educational and nonprofit institutions about mental health to help destigmatize the topic.
“Every single moment of our lives, every breath we have ever taken, has led us here to this moment. I’m thinking of my mom,” Astin said in his speech.
He discussed how his mother immensely impacted the world, recalling a photograph of her he found in which she accompanied Helen Keller and President John F. Kennedy in the Oval Office.
“When I am gone, and this honorary degree finds itself in a box just like hers, I hope it will capture the pride I feel and power of this moment,” Astin said.
He connected back to Kennedy’s famous 1963 commencement speech at American University, where the then-president called for an end to the nuclear arms race.
“We’re here where leaders spoke unflinchingly to the moment of their time and set forth visions of a safer, freer and more hopeful world.” Astin continued. “It is notable and important that they chose this stage, this university, to make their claims and issue those challenges. Now, we’re here.”
Astin recognized that Americans exist during a very “fraught time” of history, where people are “left feeling uncertain and perhaps intimidated about what the world has in store.”
He began singing a melody that British soldiers sang in the trenches during World War I. “We’re here because we’re here because we’re here because we’re here.”
Astin said it recognizes feelings of “nostalgia, pain, fear and… hope” whilst also reminding graduates that they are receiving their degree because they worked hard and feel passionate about the world around them.
“American University has done its job well once again, and we send forth another wave of gifted, trained, qualified, capable professionals who share to a person the determination to make this world a better place,” Astin said.
Many audience members joined in as Astin concluded his speech singing the same melody once again.
“I know something about fellowship and determination because I was privileged to travel across Middle-earth, vanquish evil and catch a ride home on an eagle,” the actor joked before being drowned out by thundering applause.
This article was edited by Tyler Davis and Abby Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks and Olivia Citarella.
