‘West Wing’ actor to speak at commencement

Bradley Whitford, a Wisconsin native and recipient of an Emmy Award for his role on NBC’s “The West Wing,” will address graduates at UW–Madison during this spring’s commencement weekend, Friday-Sunday, May 14-16.

Whitford studied drama and English literature at Wesleyan University and earned a master’s degree from the Julliard Theater Center. His film credits include “Scent of a Woman,” “A Perfect World,” “Philadelphia,” “The Client” and more. He also has been seen in such television series as “NYPD Blue,” “The X-Files” and “ER,” among others. In addition, he has appeared in on- and off-Broadway theater productions.

On “The West Wing,” Whitford’s character, Josh Lyman, serves as the White House deputy chief of staff. For that role, he won the 2003 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series.

Whitford will speak at both the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15, and on Sunday, May 16.

His wife, “Malcolm in the Middle” actress Jane Kaczmarek, will receive a Wisconsin Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award on Friday, May 7, as part of the Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Alumni Weekend festivities.

Honorary degree recipients will offer their remarks at the ceremony on Friday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m. Doctor of philosophy, master of fine arts, doctor of musical arts, doctor of judicial science, doctor of law, master of laws, master of legal institutions, doctor of medicine, master of physical therapy, doctor of veterinary medicine and doctor of pharmacy candidates will receive their degrees at the Friday ceremony.

Other ceremonies and degrees to be awarded are:

• May 15, 10 a.m.: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the College of Letters and Science (majors A-H, African languages and literature through history of science).
• May 15, 2 p.m.: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the College of Letters and Science (majors I-Z, industrial relations through zoology). Multiple majors should attend the ceremony of the major starting with the earliest letter of the alphabet.
• May 16, 10 a.m.: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; the schools of Education, Human Ecology, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy; and the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
• May 16, 2 p.m.: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the School of Business and College of Engineering.

About 5,000 students are eligible for degrees from UW–Madison each spring; the exact number changes daily, according to the Office of the Registrar.

All ceremonies are held at the Kohl Center on Dayton Street, and are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in most adjoining university lots and on city streets. Alcohol, food and beverages are strictly prohibited. In addition, guests are asked not to bring strollers, coolers, thermos bottles, balloons, backpacks, large bags or luggage into the Kohl Center.