Commencement Speakers

Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker

Anna Faris

A graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School and the University of Washington, Ms. Faris has been lauded as one of her generation's most talented actresses. She is renowned for her comedic and dramatic performances in such acclaimed productions as the Scary Movie series, Lost in Translation, Brokeback Mountain, Just Friends, Smiley Face, and The House Bunny, as well as the television shows Mom and Friends. She stars in the upcoming Spa Weekend. Ms. Faris’s 2017 memoir, Unqualified, was a New York Times bestseller. In addition to her successful career, Ms. Faris is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth, where she has served on the board, and is a major supporter of the Pacific Northwest Research Institute.

Graduate Ceremony Speaker

Bruce Harrell

Elected in 2021, Mayor Harrell’s priorities include, among others, driving innovation, addressing the city’s homelessness crisis, and ensuring public safety for all communities. A guiding principle of his mayorship has been One Seattle—creating a city that embraces differences and celebrates commonality. Born and raised in Seattle, Mayor Harrell is the city's first Asian American and biracial mayor and its second Black mayor. A Garfield High School valedictorian, Mayor Harrell attended the University of Washington on a football scholarship, earning a BA in political science and later a juris doctor from the University of Washington School of Law. He previously served on the Seattle City Council for many years, including multiple terms as president, as well as interim mayor.