Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to Address Historic Wilberforce University Commencement

Wilberforce University President, Reverend Dr. Floyd H. Flake, today announced that the University’s commencement speaker will be New York Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. Senator Clinton will address the historic gathering of graduates, faculty, families, and alumni on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Wright State University’s Ervin J. Nutter Center.

Flake noted, “Senator Hillary Clinton brings to our commencement ceremony dignity, hope, stature and a heightened sense of history. As a sitting United States Senator, leading presidential candidate, former First Lady, mother, and scholar, she is the finest possible choice for the honor of sending off our next generation of leaders.” He continued, “ Wilberforce University’s historic place in the history of Black America bequeaths to Senator Clinton a blessing that she will never forget. Rest assured her time with us and our time with her will prove to be invaluable.”

In addition to Senator Clinton, Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the 30,000-member Potter’s House Church in Dallas, TX, will deliver the University’s Baccalaureate sermon at 10:30 am that morning at the Nutter Center.

In his remarks about Bishop Jakes, Flake stated, “Bishop T.D. Jakes is now the nation’s most influential pastor and religious leader. He brings to his ministry and preaching a profound sense of God’s person in our lives as well as the needs of people. What he has achieved in ministry, publishing, film, and other media is defining a new standard for secular society and people of faith.” He continued, “Senator Clinton and Bishop Jakes together will make this the most historic commencement in the history of the University, and quite possibly the nation.”

For more information regarding the Baccalaureate and Commencement activities, please contact the University at 937.708.5709. Both the Baccalaureate and Commencement are open to the public.