‘Stranger Things’ actor Joe Keery to join DePaul University’s virtual commencement

CHICAGO — Strange times can be a great catalyst for creativity and connection. No one understands this better than actor Joe Keery, the 2014 DePaul University grad who plays Steve Harrington on the sci-fi horror Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” Keery, who earned a BFA in acting from The Theatre School, will be a special guest at DePaul’s online commencement ceremonies June 13. 

“DePaul has always been proud to call Joe one of our own,” said DePaul President A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D. “Joe’s participation will be meaningful to our graduates because he knows what it means to be a DePaul student. As a fan of his work on ‘Stranger Things,’ I am excited for him to join us in celebrating the Class of 2020.” 

Students at DePaul will have the chance to make their mark on this year’s commencement ceremonies. Every graduate will be featured on a digital slide, which they can personalize with a photo and message. Each school or college will have its own dedicated ceremony, featuring messages from Esteban, a student speaker, and the dean from each college or school, as well as other inspirational messages from the DePaul community. 

Greeting grads via video, Keery will welcome an estimated 6,250 new graduates into the fold, on behalf of the 190,000 DePaul alumni living throughout the world. 

Just a few years ago, Keery graduated from DePaul and was waiting tables in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. He went on more than 100 auditions, trying out for roles in plays, theatre and commercials before he got his first major television role as Steve Harrington on “Stranger Things.” 

It turned out to be his big break. Now in production on its fourth season, “Stranger Things” was watched by 64 million households in a single month last summer, according to Netflix. On the show, Keery plays a 1980s high school heartthrob who grapples with monsters from a parallel universe, as well as big teenage emotions, ego and hair. In 2017, the Screen Actors Guild recognized the cast with the Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. In 2018 the series was named TV Program of the Year by the American Film Institute. 

Keery has also appeared on the FOX’s Golden Globe nominated series “Empire” and had a recurring role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire.” He has previously been appeared in Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut “Molly’s Game,” opposite Jessica Chastain; and the comedy horror “Slice” starring Chance the Rapper. He will next be seen in the action-adventure comedy “Free Guy” opposite Ryan Reynolds, and is slated to star in the upcoming drama “Spree,” which premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. 

During his time at DePaul, Keery performed in many plays and musicals, including “Spring Awakening,” “Hansel and Gretel” and in the world premiere of Lucas Baisch’s “The Scavengers” in 2014.

DePaul has a tradition of providing a quality education to students from diverse backgrounds, with particular attention to first-generation college students. The online ceremonies have been planned to give the DePaul community and graduates' loved ones a chance to recognize and celebrate in a safe manner. Once it is safe to bring people together again, DePaul will consider how to honor graduating classes with in-person celebrations. For more information about DePaul’s commencement, visit http://commencement.depaul.edu. 

About DePaul University
DePaul is the largest Catholic university in the United States and the largest private, nonprofit university in the Midwest, with nearly 22,500 students and a wide range of academic and professional degree programs. DePaul was founded in Chicago in 1898 by the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), a Roman Catholic religious community dedicated to following the ideals of St. Vincent de Paul, the 17th century priest for whom the university is named. More information is at www.depaul.edu. 

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Media contact:
Kristin Claes Mathews
kristin.mathews@depaul.edu
312-241-9856 mobile

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