'Dawson's' star James Van Der Beek to give Drew commencement, 26 years after dropping out
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When Hollywood came calling in 1998, young actor James Van Der Beek ditched his studies at Drew University to take the title role in "Dawson's Creek."
Twenty-six years and 128 "Dawson" episodes later, the film and TV veteran, 47, will return to the Morris County school to collect an honorary degree and deliver one of three commencement addresses to the Class of 2024.
Van Der Beek will speak to students graduating from Drew's College of Liberal Arts on the lawn at Mead Hall on May 11, the school in Madison announced this week. The Connecticut native was studying at Drew in 1998 when he was cast in the titular role on "Dawson's Creek," a new prime-time syndicated TV drama that followed the complicated lives of teens coming of age on Cape Cod.
Podcaster Drew Holmes recalled when he and Van Der Beek were in the same opera history class at Drew, and the teacher announced his departure.
“Jim (ed. note: he is definitely not a 'Jim') will not be joining us for the rest of the semester," the teacher said. "He is filming something called 'Dawson’s Creek.' I guess he’s Dawson or something.”
James Van Der Beek set sail on 'Dawson's Creek'
The hit series ran until 2003, and also helped launch the careers of actors Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson. Van Der Beek went on to star in several films and TV series including "Varsity Blues," The Rules of Attraction," "Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23" and, most recently, the Emmy-nominated FX series "Pose."
He also co-created, wrote, produced and starred in the 2017 series "What Would Diplo Do?"
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Van Der Beek began his college career at Drew in 1995, receiving an academic scholarship, studying English and sociology and singing with the a cappella group 36 Madison Ave.
He will leave the campus next month with an honorary bachelor of arts degree for his “selfless service and exemplary commitment to the mission of Drew," university officials stated.
Two more 2024 commencement speakers
On May 10, two days of graduation events will begin at the college with social-justice activist Harriett Jane Olson, a former general secretary and CEO of United Women in Faith, delivering a commencement address for the Drew Theological School. Olson also will receive an honorary doctor of divinity degree.
That same day, Laura Winters, a professor of literary studies, writing, and studies in religion in Drew's Arts & Letters program, will serve as the speaker for the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Also a longtime professor at nearby Saint Elizabeth University, Winters has taught at Drew since 1991, focusing on modernist and postmodern literature and film.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Leguizamo among past speakers
Van Der Beek joins a notable group who have delivered graduation speeches at Drew in recent years. NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar spoke in 2016. Broadway star and film actor John Leguizamo spoke during a rainy commencement in 2018. Former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman spoke the following year.
In between examples of his trademark edgy humor, the energetic Leguizamo encouraged the graduates to "dream one size too big."
"Never give up," he urged. "You only fail when you give up trying."
William Westhoven is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: wwesthoven@dailyrecord.com
Twitter: @wwesthoven
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: James Van Der Beek to give Drew University 2024 graduation speech
