John Cariani To Deliver Commencement Address at UMPI

Playwright and actor John Cariani will deliver the commencement address during the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s 104th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18. Cariani—who grew up in Presque Isle—is known for his performances on stage, television and the movies.

During the ceremonies, the University will present Cariani with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. UMPI President Linda Schott praised him as “a wonderful example of how long-term goals and dreams can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.”

As an actor, Cariani got his big break when he was cast in the Off Broadway play ‘It’s My Party (And I’ll Die if I want To).’ Since then, he has shared the big screen with such noted actors as Robert De Niro, Ed Asner and Christopher Walken. His performance in the Broadway Revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ earned him a Tony Award nomination.

Cariani’s first play, ‘Almost, Maine,’ premiered in 2004 at the Portland Stage Company and has gone on to become one of the most produced plays in the U.S., with over 1500 community and professional productions to date.

Cariani is probably best known for playing forensic expert Julian Beck on NBC’s ‘Law & Order.’ He recently guest-starred on the Showtime series, ‘Homeland.’