Brad Delson, UCLA alumnus and lead guitarist for the band Linkin Park, was chosen as the new keynote speaker for the UCLA College commencement ceremony, according to a UCLA statement.
The commencement committee chose Delson from a list of recommendations after actor and UCLA alumnus James Franco announced he would not be able to speak earlier this week.
Delson graduated from UCLA summa cum laude in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. In 2004, he created the Delson Scholarship Fund at UCLA, which awards scholarships to outstanding students from Huntington Park, with his wife.
“Brad Delson is not only an innovative musician, but he is also a social activist who is committed to change through education,” said Judith L. Smith, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education in the UCLA College. “I am thrilled that Brad will be helping to commemorate this important occasion in the lives of our graduates and their families, and we are grateful that he has agreed to do so on short notice.”
Commencement will take place on June 12 in Pauley Pavilion.
Compiled by Samantha Schaefer, Bruin senior staff.