President Barack Obama will deliver ASU’s commencement speech at this spring’s graduation, University spokeswoman Julie Newberg said Friday.

ASU President Michael Crow said in a statement released Friday that Obama’s progressive leadership is a great example for ASU’s students and surrounding community.

“The president’s emphasis on building the next generation of leaders in science, technology and sustainability, as well as the arts, mirrors ASU’s mission as a New American University,” Crow said.

The University announced a new date and time for the ceremony earlier this week, and Newberg said this was so the president could attend. The ceremony will now take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.