California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) will give the keynote address at this year’s Commencement ceremony, the University announced yesterday.
Vice President and Deputy to the President Gary Hauk, who oversees the selection process, said Schwarzenegger’s work as a politician has been aligned with Emory’s commitments — including his promotion of sustainability, the Special Olympics and physical education and after-school programs in inner-city schools.
“He has risen from relative obscurity into worldwide recognition,” Hauk said of the bodybuilder turned actor turned “Governator.” “There’s a clear resonance there between his life and career and what Emory hopes its graduates will carry forth in the way of aspiration.”
Schwarzenegger will receive an honorary doctor-of-laws degree at the 165th Commencement ceremony on May 10.
Schwarzenegger was not initially considered as a speaker for this year’s ceremony. The