Award-winning actor, philanthropist and champion for military veterans Gary Sinise called on the Vanderbilt Class of 2025 to consider how service to others can fill life with purpose and be a source for healing during his Graduates Day keynote address at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center Facility on May 8 as part of a two-day event celebrating the university's Commencement.
Sinise called on the graduates to consider how they define purpose in their lives. "As we all move forward, what gives our lives purpose and meaning?" he asked. "Will we make the most of the opportunities that God and our fellow man have given us? These are the questions that we may not have the answers to at this time but that are important to consider and think of as we charge forward each day."
After describing how he began his acting career by way of a chance audition for his high school's production of West Side Story, he says he found his community in the theater. He emphasized the power of mentorship.
"It changed everything for me," Sinise said. "And that teacher changed everything for me. She saw something in me, and she gave me a shot. No matter what career or life path we choose, inspiration and mentoring are so important in our life's journey. We could all point to men and women throughout our lives we have learned from who, by their example, have inspired us to be better people. Keep doing that, and you will be strengthened. Look to them and emulate them."
Sinise called the September 11, 2001, attacks a turning point in his "journey from self to service." He found someone to emulate in John Vigiano, a former Marine and retired New York City firefighter who lost two sons responding to the attack on the World Trade Center.
"Remember this: There is a healing power in service work," Sinise said. "John, brokenhearted, devastated by the loss of his boys, devoted his life to serving others in their honor, and it helped him through. By lifting someone else up, we in turn lift ourselves. And as my heart was also broken after that terrible day, as fear crept in as to what the future would hold for our country, I also needed to do something to help assuage that fear, to help heal that broken heart. And so I took action."
Sinise poured himself into service work, volunteering for the USO, raising money for the Pentagon memorial and the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance and ultimately founding the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011. Since its founding, the Gary Sinise Foundation has served thousands of veterans, defenders, first responders, and families of fallen heroes through unique programming designed to uplift, inspire, and build communities.
"When joy connects to mission, a life of purpose begins to take shape," Sinise said. "Giving back to our freedom providers and first responders has truly given my life purpose and has been a great privilege and joy for me. As I have traveled the world visiting our troops, sometimes visiting countries that have not known the blessings of freedom, I have realized more and more the high cost of preserving that freedom and the sacrifices of those who have provided it for us over the years. Freedom is not something that all human beings simply get to have and enjoy. It must be fought for and defended. A price must be paid. And I'm grateful to those who are willing to pay that price, sometimes the ultimate price."
Sinise is this year's recipient of the Nichols-Chancellor's Medal. It is one of the university's highest honors and is awarded to individuals who exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit. It was created and endowed by Vanderbilt Law School graduate Ed Nichols and his wife, Janice, in honor of Edward Carmack and Lucile Hamby Nichols.
"Sometimes called 'the hero's hero,' Gary's work on behalf of our defenders spans more than four decades and numerous areas of impact. Whether by helping to heal the wounded, inspire the active, honor the fallen or support their children, and more-he has helped transform countless lives," Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. "In 2021, Gary relocated his foundation to the Nashville area-and we are honored to serve as its home. His commitment is also central to our university, long-standing in our history and reflected today in our programs to promote military excellence and support those who serve."
In 2008, Sinise became only the third actor to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded to citizens for exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation.
As an actor, Sinise is most well-known for his role as Lieutenant Dan in the beloved movie Forrest Gump. He has won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Tony Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Award nominations with two wins as a director and actor, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. In 2017 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Other recent recipients of the Nichols-Chancellor's Medal include David Brooks, Maria Ressa and Reid Hoffman.
FOUNDER'S MEDALISTS HONORED
During the Graduates Day celebration, C. Cybele Raver, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, honored the Class of 2025 Founder's Medalists for their outstanding achievements and academic achievement.
Since 1877, the university has awarded a gold medal to the student graduating with top honors from each of the university's 10 schools and colleges. The award honors the university's founder, Cornelius Vanderbilt, who endowed the award in its first year.
LET'S CELEBRATE!
Immediately after the Graduate's Day address, students and their loved ones went to a beautifully reimagined Sports Club Field for food, music and dancing.
