“We started the 20th century with aspirin and penicillin,” Tony-Award winning actor Joe Mantegna told Chicago School graduates at their June 13 Commencement ceremony. “We started the 21st century with stem cell research, organ transplants, and genetic coding. With all the wonderful things that are happening in the world come new problems, new stresses, and new anxieties…as psychology graduates, you have big jobs ahead of you.”

Mantegna’s delivery of the commencement address—which mixed words of encouragement and inspiration with memories of his own years growing up in Chicago—followed the moment when he became The Chicago School’s newest honorary Doctor of Psychology. In accepting the degree, he joined other high-profile personalities— including former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III, award-winning journalist Alex Kotlowitz, and Tipper Gore—who have addressed past graduating classes.

Mantegna was recognized for his work in raising awareness of autism, a disorder that affects thousands of children, including his daughter. He is active with Autism Speaks, Actors for Autism, and HOME Ownership Made Easy, an organization that offers affordable housing opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

More than 350 Chicago School graduates picked up master’s or doctoral diplomas at the annual Commencement exercises, which was held for the second consecutive year at the Civic Opera House. Some 3,000 friends and family members were on hand for the event.