Barnard College has just announced that writer, director, and actor Greta Gerwig will be the commencement speaker for the Graduation of the Class of 2024 on May 15. Gerwig has starred in many films, including Frances Ha (2012) and 20th Century Women (2016), and has written and directed three incredibly successful, female-centered films: Ladybird (2017), Little Women (2019), and the 2023 smash hit Barbie. Hot off a successful awards season following the release of Barbie, Gerwig is one of Barnard’s most notable alumni. The Barnard community is ecstatic about this announcement. A representative from the Office of the President noted that “we are thrilled that Greta has agreed to speak at our commencement this year. She is such a role model for women everywhere, and we are so proud that she has chosen to come back to her alma mater and celebrate the achievements of this wonderful and resilient group of women.”
Many students of the Class of 2024 were hoping that Barnard would secure Gerwig as their commencement speaker. Following their non-traditional college experience, beginning in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Class of 2024 is receiving an extra special treat at graduation. Grace Weinswig, BC ‘24 commented, “I am baffled that they were able to Greta. She’s such a big ticket right now, it’s truly incredible. I can’t wait to hear her speak. Ladybird is like my favorite movie, and it’s even cooler that it’s like, about Barnard. I grew up not that far from Sacramento. Oh, and I’m a film major. We honestly have a lot in common.”
