Loyola’s selection of New Orleans native and “Treme” star Wendell Pierce to deliver the unified commencement address in May left many students with one question: “Who?”

Pierce plays the trombonist Antoine Batiste in the HBO series that centers around the Treme neighborhood after Hurricane Katrina. Pierce also had leading roles in the television series “The Wire” and the 2004 box office hit “Ray.”

Despite his lengthy resume, Loyola seniors were a little slow figuring out exactly who Pierce is.

“I don’t watch ‘Glee,’ or whatever show he’s from, so I don’t know who he is,” said Natalie Crist, a sociology junior who is walking in May.

After the initial confusion wore off, some seniors began to appreciate having Pierce speak at commencement.

“For those of us from New Orleans, he seems to be a true success story. As an actor he will definitely be speaking about things that interest (me in) my life. I’m excited for it,” said Ethan Labourdette, theater arts senior.

Pierce is a force not only on the big screen, but in the philanthropic world as well. He grew up in the Pontchartrain Park neighborhood, a subdivision originally created for African Americans in New Orleans.

After Katrina ravaged the neighborhood, Pierce created the Pontchartrain Park Community Development Corporation in an effort to rebuild affordable and environmentally-friendly homes.

University President the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., said that Pierce’s philanthropy was a key factor in choosing him as the commencement speaker.

“Key is his work for the city, especially the Pontchartrain Park (neighborhood), but his work and commitment are enhanced because he is so well-known as an actor,” Wildes said. “Pierce’s commitment to the city has been, and continues to be, important to the city and its renewal.”

Melanie Ziems can be reached at

maziems @loyno.edu