Former Gov. Jeb Bush Will Be 2012 AMU Commencement Speaker

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Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 23:21

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush will be the main speaker at Ave Maria University's 2012 commencement exercises, university president Jim Towey announced Monday.

"Gov. Bush will provide the perfect conclusion to their Ave Maria education and leave them with a lasting memory," Mr. Towey said in a statement from the university. "I look forward to having him on campus again and hearing his remarks."

The former governor also delivered the commencement address at the Ave Maria University School of Law's first graduation ceremony in Florida in May, 2010.

Mr. Bush will receive an honorary doctorate degree from AMU at the commencement May 5 at 11 a.m., at which the university said it expects 175 young men and women to receive diplomas.

The university also will award an honorary doctorate degree to William E. Simon, Jr. (left), an investment banker who was the Republican nominee for governor of California in 2002, running as a pro-life candidate, the university statement said.

"Bill Simon, like Jeb Bush, has shown courage in the public square and made a significant difference," Mr. Towey said. "He has been a friend of Ave Maria University for years and we are privileged to honor him."