Daniels to speak at commencement

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will speak during IU's winter commencement ceremony Dec. 15, according to a press release issued Monday.

"I am deeply honored to be included in an IU commencement," Daniels said in the press release. "The university's contributions to our state and to the successful lives of its graduates have never been greater than today, and I will try to speak for all Hoosiers who are rightly proud of these young men and women and the great school they so wisely chose."

Daniels is currently finishing his second term as governor. In June, Purdue University's Board of Trustees announced Daniels will serve as the next president of Purdue upon completion of his term in January 2013.

"It is a great honor for Indiana University to have Gov. Daniels as speaker for winter commencement," IU President Michael McRobbie said in the press release.

According to the press release, McRobbie lauded Daniels for his leadership of Indiana during "the worst fiscal crisis this nation has known for 80 years."

He has had a very distinguished career in the public and private sector, McRobbie said. "And as he comes to the end of his term as a popular and respected governor, we are very pleased to be able to honor him by having him as our winter commencement speaker."
 
- Kirsten Clark