Simone Biles, an 11-time Olympic medalist, will deliver the commencement address at Washington University graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2025.
She will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
In a video addressed to students, Biles said she is excited to celebrate with the class of 2025 in St. Louis. “Get ready for an unforgettable day,” she said in the video. “Because this isn’t a ceremony— it’s your victory lap.”
Biles is married to St. Louis native Jonathan Owens, who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers.
Apart from being one of the most decorated athletes in the world, Biles also works to advocate for athletes’ mental health, sexual assault victims, and foster care children. She also earned the distinction of having five skills named in her honor, named “The Biles” which include beam, floor, and vault skills.
“Simone is a wonderful example of the power of living life on one’s own terms with determination, grit, and grace,” Martin said last week when announcing the commencement activities. “I am confident that she will inspire our graduates as they set out on their own journeys to greatness. As the most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone’s dominance on the mat is well documented. But what is even more impressive is her work off the mat.”
St. Louis native Jenifer Lewis and four other recipients will be presented honorary degrees at the ceremony.
Lewis, an Emmy Award-nominated actor, singer, and bestselling author, will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts honorary degree. The Kinloch native was honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in July 2024.
“I sang my first solo at First Baptist Church [of Kinloch] when I was five years old,” Lewis said during the ceremony in The Loop. “And from the reaction of the congregation – they were screaming and crying and carrying on and saying, ‘sing Jenny. Sing Jenny.’ I stood there and said, ‘this is the life.’ And I never looked back.”
Also receiving honorary degrees are:
- Paula C. Riney, philanthropist and co-founder of the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, will receive a Doctor of Humanities.
- Roger O. Riney, philanthropist, CEO of brokerage firm Scottrade and co-founder of the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation, will receive a Doctor of Humanities.
- Dr. Rochelle Walensky, WashU graduate, world-renowned physician-scientist and former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will receive a Doctor of Science.
- Jess B. Yawitz, WashU graduate and founder, retired chair and CEO of NISA Investment Advisors, will receive a Doctor of Business.
The commencement ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. Monday May 12 on Francis Olympic Field on the Danforth campus.
