Michelle Obama to Speak at Bowie State Commencement

First lady Michelle Obama will address the 2013 graduating class of Bowie State University (BSU), Maryland’s oldest historically black college, at its commencement ceremony on May 17.

BSU is the oldest of Maryland’s five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and one of the oldest in the nation. This year marks the institution's 148th anniversary.

“The President and First Lady both have recognized the important contributions of HBCUs across the country and have delivered commencement addresses to highlight their successes,” according to a statement released by the White House.

Obama will address approximately 600 graduates, and BSU will confer an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon the first lady. 

“It is an extraordinary honor for Bowie State University and the Class of 2013 to welcome First Lady Michelle Obama as an honored guest at our Spring Commencement ceremony,” said BSU president Mickey L. Burnim in a statement. “She is an outstanding role model who will add even greater significance to this celebration of achievement for our graduates and their families.”

The commencement will take place at the Comcast Center in College Park at 11 a.m. on May 17, and is a ticketed event. May’s ceremony will be the first time the first lady has addressed BSU, though President Obama has visited the campus twice in the past—once as a senator in 2006 and again as president in 2010.