Streep to speak at Barnard graduation

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Film star Meryl Streep is to receive the Barnard Medal of Distinction when she speaks at the New York college's graduation ceremony this spring.

Streep recently earned her 16th Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Julie & Julia."

She is to be the keynote speaker at Barnard College's 118th commencement ceremony May 17. In doing so, the actress is expected to address approximately 600 members of the Class of 2010, as well as their families and the school's faculty.

"It is my great pleasure to join Barnard Board Chair Anna Quindlen '74 in announcing that Meryl Streep has accepted our invitation to be this year's commencement speaker … In her extraordinary body of award-winning work she has portrayed women from every walk of life with energy, heart, and skill. She is known for the perfection of her craft and for her painstaking preparation in each role she has undertaken," Barnard College President Debora L. Spar said in a message to students Thursday. "And, outside of acting, she has used her brilliant voice to support the arts, international human rights, and the environment, as well as health issues of great importance to women and families including cancer, child health, and AIDS. It will be a tremendous honor and a true thrill to welcome Ms. Streep to campus for commencement 2010 this May."