Hobart and William Smith Colleges have landed a big name for this year’s Commencement Address.
The Geneva-based colleges announced on Wednesday that former President Bill Clinton will deliver this year’s address on Sunday, May 14th.
The president of the colleges, Mark Gearan, said that, “We are honored to welcome President Clinton back to Hobart and William Smith as the 2017 Commencement speaker. President Clinton’s leadership has transformed millions of lives around the world, from his time as Arkansas attorney general and then governor, to two terms in the White House, and now with the charitable work of his foundation. I look forward to hearing the insight and guidance he has to offer our graduating seniors.”
Gearan, who is retiring later this year, had served in the Clinton White House as Assistant to the President and Director of Communications and Strategic Planning. Gearan was also director of the Peace Corps from 1995 to 1999.
In 2001, both Bill and Hillary Clinton visited the campus and spoke to students.
After leaving the White House, President Clinton founded the Clinton Foundation with the mission to improve global health, strengthen economies, promote healthier childhoods and reduce health disparities, and protect the environment by fostering partnerships among governments, businesses, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private citizens to turn good intentions into measurable results.
Bill and Hillary Clinton live in Chappaqua, New York.
