Political commentator and author Donna Brazile will deliver the keynote address at Spelman College’s spring commencement on May 17.

More than 475 graduates are expected to participate in afternoon ceremony at the Georgia International Convention Center, where Brazile will also receive an honorary degree.

Brazile is the vice chairwoman of voter registration and participation of the Democratic National Committee and was the first African American to direct a major presidential campaign, as campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000.

In addition to Brazile, honorary degrees will also be awarded to Yvonne Jackson, a Spelman alumna and founder and president of the management consulting firm BeecherJackson Inc., along with Lisa Jackson, vice president of environmental initiatives at Apple.

The commencement will be the last for outgoing president Beverly Tatum, who retires this summer after 13 years leading the women's college.

The graduation begins at 3 p.m. A baccalaureate ceremony, featuring American Baptist College dean Renita Weems, is scheduled for May 16 at the college.

Information: spelman.edu/commencement

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