University of California President Janet Napolitano will give the commencement address at Northeastern University in Boston after being invited to speak there, according to a Northeastern statement released Wednesday.
Napolitano will give the private research university’s 112th commencement address to about 20,000 people on May 2.
“The breadth and depth of President Napolitano’s achievements – as governor of Arizona, secretary of Homeland Security and now as the leader of one of the world’s great systems of higher education – are inspiring,” said Joseph Aoun, president of Northeastern University, in the statement. “Her commitment to making an impact on society through public service is exemplary of the accomplished, fulfilled life we aspire for all Northeastern graduates to achieve.”
Northeastern officials cited Napolitano’s past work as governor of Arizona and secretary of Homeland Security, including a 19-member academic advisory council on homeland security she convened that Aoun currently sits on.
“Higher education is the key to developing future generations of the individuals who will ensure the strength of communities across our nation and beyond our borders,” Napolitano said in the statement. “It’s an honor to have been asked to address the Northeastern University graduates who will help lead the way.”
Napolitano will also give the keynote speech at the UC Hastings College of the Law commencement on May 10.
“She’s increasingly developing a national voice as an advocate of higher education … particularly public higher education,” said Steve Montiel, a UC spokesman.
Compiled by Kristen Taketa, Bruin senior staff.