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�������� of America announced actor and humanitarian Orlando Bloom as keynote speaker of the 2025 commencement ceremony, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 23 in the ��������Performing Arts Center.

“Orlando Bloom embodies everything we hope our graduates become,” said SUA President Edward M. Feasel. “His artistic excellence is matched only by his humanitarian impact. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he’s turned celebrity into meaningful advocacy for peace and human dignity worldwide — demonstrating the courageous global citizenship at the heart of our mission.”

Bloom rose to international fame for his roles in The Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, two of the most iconic film franchises of all time. In the years since, he has used his platform to advocate for humanitarian causes worldwide, including the protection of children’s rights in conflict.

The Canterbury, England native was just 19 when he suffered a life-changing accident at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. After falling three stories and breaking his back, doctors warned he might never walk again. Defying these odds, Bloom not only returned to the stage and graduated drama school, but at 22 landed his breakthrough role as Legolas in The Lord of the Rings.

Off screen, Bloom has traveled the world with UNICEF to champion the rights of children in Nepal, Bangladesh, Jordan, Liberia, and Ukraine, receiving the BAFTA Britannia Humanitarian Award in 2015 for his advocacy.

Bloom is a longtime member of the ��������Gakkai International, a global Buddhist movement dedicated to world peace that practices the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism centered on respect for the dignity of life. In 2006, Bloom met with SUA founder, and then SGI president, Daisaku Ikeda, whom he considers his mentor in life, and received the following encouragement from him: “Success today doesn’t automatically guarantee success tomorrow. Final victory is eternal victory. That’s my advice to you as a friend.” Since then, Bloom has devoted his life and art to serving humanity.

�������� of America looks forward to welcoming Orlando Bloom and celebrating the Class of 2025 in a ceremony that honors academic achievement and a shared commitment to a more just and compassionate world.