Rhimes Steps To the Podium

Twenty-three years ago Shonda Rhimes ’91 heard Elizabeth Dole speak during her graduation. The television show creator got her own turn to inspire after President Phil Hanlon ’77 tapped Rhimes to serve as Commencement speaker for the June 8 ceremony on the Green. Here’s a look at other speakers booked to look out upon a vast sea of caps and gowns across the Ivy League this season (Brown has no speaker):

COLUMBIA: Actor/screenwriter Dan Futterman

CORNELL: Actor Ed Helms

HARVARD: Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

PENNSYLVANIA: Singer/songwriter John Legend

PRINCETON: Former Vice President Al Gore

YALE: Secretary of State John Kerry