First lady Michelle Obama will serve as the commencement speaker at Spelman College, the White House announced Friday.
The ceremony for more than 500 graduates will be held at 3 p.m. May 15 in the Georgia International Convention Center. Obama will also receive an honorary degree.
"Having Mrs. Obama as our 2011 commencement speaker is a true honor because she embodies the Spelman College mission, which is to prepare women to change the world in a meaningful way," Spelman President Beverly Tatum said in a statement. "I know our students will be inspired by her powerful presence."
Spelman is considered one of the nation's top liberal arts college and is the oldest historically black college for women.
The ceremony will feature other strong women. Sisters Debbie Allen, an actress and choreographer, and Phylicia Rashad, an actress and director, will receive honorary degrees. Wendy Kopp, who started Teach For America, will receive an award for community service.
The first lady last traveled to Atlanta in February when she visited Burgess-Peterson Academy and the North Point Community Church in Alpharetta as part of her "Let's Move" campaign aimed at improving children's health.
Obama will deliver a commencement address at the University of Northern Iowa and speak to graduates and families at West Point. She will also address the 26 seniors graduating from Quantico Middle High School in Virginia. Their parents serve at the Quantico Marine Base.
The institutions were selected because of their commitment to service and the role students play in improving the world, officials said.
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