Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan to serve as Marquette’s spring Commencement speakers

Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan, a wife-husband team who have collaborated on a variety of comedian projects, will serve as Marquette University’s Commence speakers on May 20.

The Gaffigans, who have been referred to as “comedy’s quietest power couple” by Vanity Fair, recently ended their critically acclaimed semi-fictitious television show, The Jim Gaffigan Show, after two seasons. As part of the university’s graduation ceremony, the Gaffigans will each receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Jeannie is an alumna of Marquette, graduating from the Diederich College of Communication in 1992.

“We know the Gaffigans best for their humor, but I’m sure we’ll also learn from their insights and humility that went through their Catholic they have a foundation for their relationship that holds their family together through good times and very difficult times,” stated Michael R. Lovell, president of Marquette University, in a press release.

Marquette alumnus David A. Straz, Jr., a 1965 graduate of the College of Business Administration, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree as part of the ceremony. Straz is a banking entrepreneur, internationally respected philanthropist and patron of the arts. He has served as Ambassador at Large and Honorary Consul General from Liberia and Honduras to the U.S., and has played a key role in U.S.-Cuba relations. Much of his international philanthropy work has focused on education. He is a past recipient of the “Humanitarian of the Decade” award from the College of West Africa.

Marquette’s Commencement ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on May 20, at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.