The 1987 graduate of Princeton University is giving the university's important and often whimsical Class Day address as part of graduation weekend.
Shields was already a star of films like "Blue Lagoon" and "Endless Love" when she arrived at Princeton. She graduated as a French major with honors.
Speakers at other Class Day ceremonies in recent years have included comedian Stephen Colbert, former President Bill Clinton and news anchor Katie Couric.
The speaker at the May 30 event was invited by the New Jersey school's graduating class.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg will speak at the May 29 baccalaureate.
Princeton's commencement speaker is always the university president, except when the sitting U.S. president agrees to give that address.
