St. Louis native Jon Hamm told Saint Louis University graduates to embrace the communities that embrace them as they enter a "brave new world."
The TV and movie actor took the stage at Chaifetz Arena to commend the class of 2024 on their fortitude, having their high school graduations interrupted by a pandemic and college ceremonies being moved or cancelled due to campus protests.
"Your resilience in the face of continued discomfort, distraction, it's impressive," he said. "It's also to say, maybe stay away from ceremonies for a while, guys. Maybe they're not for you."
Hamm was also self-deprecating.
"And to welcome you into this brave new world, they chose.... me. A guy who is sporadically employed by nature and who didn't pay off his student loans until well into his 30s."
Hamm didn't attend SLU - he went to Mizzou - but he did attend high school in Ladue at John Burroughs. After college, he returned to Burroughs to teach acting for a year. He then moved to Hollywood to pursue his own acting career.
Hamm said he pondered why he was asked to give this speech. He concluded it was so he could share the wisdom of community with the graduates. He talked about the many communities he's been a part of.
"There is, of course, the wonderful St. Louis community at large," said Hamm. "The one that I was born into, the one that nurtured me, provided me a place to play, and grow and wonder and learn. The one that has Cardinals and Blues and yes, Billikens."