MANHATTAN — President Barack Obama will speak at Barnard College's commencement in May, the school announced Saturday.
Obama, who graduated from Columbia University, of which Barnard is a part, in 1983, will receive the Barnard Medal of Distinction, the college's highest honor, the university said.
“This is an extraordinary honor for Barnard and we are thrilled to welcome President Obama for this important moment in the lives of our graduates and their families,” Barnard President Debora Spar said in a statement. "No doubt, the president's words will make this year's commencement truly unforgettable.”
A White House official told the New York Times that the administration had reached out to Barnard to offer Obama as a speaker. The previous speaker was scheduled to be the paper's Executive Editor Jill Abramson.
The Times noted that the announcement of Obama speaking at the traditionally women's college comes amid the presidential campaign debate over the inclusion of contraception in health care law. Democrats have seized on the issue, and accused Republican foes of waging a "war on women."
The commencement will take place Monday, May 14, at 12:30 p.m. on Columbia University’s South Lawn, the college said.
