President Obama To Give Commencement Speech At Rutgers University
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- President Barack Obama will deliver the commencement speech at Rutgers University next month.
The school announced Thursday that Obama accepted their invitation to present the address at its 250th anniversary commencement on May 15 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway.
"We are delighted that President Obama has chosen to address our graduates at this year's historic commencement," said Rutgers University President Robert Barchi. "President Obama's decision is a testament to the enthusiastic efforts of Rutgers students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as members of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, who sent numerous messages to the White House urging the president to join our 250th anniversary graduation ceremony.
Barchi wrote to Obama in 2013, saying he couldn't imagine a more inspirational speaker. It's the first time in the school's history that a sitting president has agreed to speak at its commencement.
As president, Obama gives only a few commencement speeches a year, so Gov. Chris Christie said he's honored he chose to come to Rutgers to deliver one of his final commencement speeches as president.
"I thank the president for his willingness to come to New Jersey and honor Rutgers, it's a great institution," Christie said. "I'm happy that he's coming. I'm honored for the people of the state and for the people of Rutgers."
More than 52,000 people, including approximately 12,000 graduates, are expected to attended the ceremony.
Obama will also deliver commencement speeches at Howard University on May 7 and the Air Force Academy on June 2.