Actor, philanthropist and musician Gary Sinise will speak at the Class of 2025’s Graduates Day ceremony, according to a March 20 press release from the university. The address will be delivered on May 8 at 11 a.m. CDT at the Recreation and Wellness Center Indoor Practice Facility, with a commencement celebration to follow.

Sinise is best known for his role as Lieutenant Dan Taylor in the Oscar-winning film “Forrest Gump,” a portrayal that earned him multiple award nominations. Beyond his acting career, Sinise is also a talented musician, leading the “Lt. Dan Band,” which performs for troops and veterans. 

The Gary Sinise Foundation, born from Sinise’s personal connection to the service community and decades of supporting nonprofits, aims to fill the gaps in care for U.S. active duty, veterans, first responders and their families. Through its programs, such as the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment program to provide home modification for wounded soldiers, entertainment outreach and essential equipment funding, the foundation expresses appreciation for these individuals via entertainment, family support and acts of gratitude. The foundation has raised over $300 million to support veterans, first responders and their families, earning numerous accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal and honors from the U.S. military. 

Now based in the Nashville area, Sinise will receive Vanderbilt’s Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal in  recognition of his contributions to service and philanthropy. Past recipients of the award include Anthony Fauci, novelist Toni Morrison, Caroline Kennedy and Venus Williams. In the university press release, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier expressed appreciation for Sinise’s work with veterans.

“As a university deeply committed to supporting those who’ve served in our armed forces, we are proud to award Mr. Sinise our Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal, and we look forward to his inspiring words for our graduates and their families,” Diermeier said.

Senior Makayla Donald shared her excitement towards graduation and commencement.

“I haven’t heard much about Graduates Day from my alumni friends so I didn’t realize it was a big tradition, but I look forward to attending,” Donald said.

Senior Justin Badt expressed enthusiasm about Sinise’s position as this year’s Graduates Day speaker.

“Sinise’s unwavering dedication to the veteran community over more than forty years embodies the values of service and resilience,” Badt said. “As president of Vanderbilt for Veterans, I’m proud to see someone who has made such a profound impact on our nation’s heroes honored at commencement.”