WILLIAMSBURG — Award-winning actor Glenn Close is returning to her alma mater, William & Mary, for a series of special events during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, Oct. 19-22.
The news was shared online in the W&M Magazine.
Close, ’74, D.A. ’89, H.F. ’19, has starred in films such as “The Big Chill,” “The Natural,” “Fatal Attraction,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “101 Dalmatians” and “Hillbilly Elegy,” on TV shows and in on- and off-Broadway productions.
Among her many accolades are three Tony Awards, three Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards and eight Oscar nominations. Close is also an advocate for wildlife conservation and mental health.
Close will be featured in the dedication of the Arts Quarter, lead the Homecoming Parade as grand marshal and discuss the importance of the performing arts with President Katherine Rowe in the Presidential Conversation, according to the university. She will also teach a master class for W&M theatre students.
These events are part of W&M’s Year of the Arts, a yearlong celebration to amplify the crucial importance of arts education in the 21st century and highlight the vital role that the arts play in all facets of W&M’s educational experience, according to the university. The year will feature a variety of performances, exhibitions and other events open to both the campus and local communities.
“One of William & Mary’s brightest stars, Glenn Close lights the way for aspiring performers everywhere. We are thrilled to welcome her back for an extraordinary Homecoming,” Rowe was quoted in the article.
As grand marshal, Close will lead the Homecoming Parade, which includes student organizations, alumni groups, musical performances and special guests.
Close will also be an honored guest at the dedication of the first phase of the Arts Quarter on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 4 p.m. at Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall (PBK).
On Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., Close will join Rowe at PBK for a Presidential Conversation, part of William & Mary’s ongoing series of in-depth discussions between President Rowe and special guests on topics of global interest. Close will discuss her journey to center stage from William & Mary, where she was a theatre and anthropology major and performed in numerous productions.
Close received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from William & Mary in 1989.
“The people who taught me gave me what I think a great liberal arts education should give everyone — an undying curiosity about the subjects taught,” said Close during her 1989 Commencement address. “I have felt in the years since I graduated an indestructible, visceral connection to this place — a connection which is vital and real and which has sustained me through good times and bad.”
In 2013, Close received William & Mary’s Cheek Medal for her contributions to the arts. In 2019, she received an honorary fellowship, the highest honor a university of Royal Charter can confer, according to the university. She is only the third person in the university’s history to receive that honor.
For more information on homecoming events and registrations, visit homecoming.wm.edu.
