A University of Virginia alumnus who has starred in television hits like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Station 19” will lead a slate of speakers planned for this year’s Finals Weekend, May 16-18.
Jason Winston George, a Virginia Beach native and 1994 UVA graduate, may be best known for playing Dr. Ben Warren on the medical drama, but he has also appeared in nine regular television roles and more than a dozen films. George had considered a law career until a UVA classmate convinced him to take a drama class.
George will speak May 16 at 3:00 p.m. during Valedictory Exercises at John Paul Jones Arena, the traditional kickoff of a weekend of celebrations for the Class of 2025 that will culminate with the graduation of about 8,000 Wahoos.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be coming back to Virginia, where so much of my life and education truly began,” George said. “I first discovered acting at the University, performed my first play in Culbreth Theatre, and met my wife my first year in Lefevre House. Now 30 years later, our own college-age children have me considering what words of wisdom I think this generation needs to hear. I’m excited for all of us to find out together.”
On Saturday, Michael Suarez, director of Rare Book School, will address graduates from the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and the School of Education and Human Development.
Suarez, an English professor who came to UVA in 2009, also holds the honor of University Professor. A Jesuit priest, he is no stranger to graduation ceremonies; Suarez holds seven academic degrees. Since 2020, he has lived in Pavilion III on the Lawn.
