The commencement speaker for Ohio State’s spring graduation ceremony has been announced. Former NASA administrator and astronaut Charles F. Bolden Jr. will speak at the event this year.
Bolden was the 12th administrator for NASA, serving from 2009-17. Before his time at NASA, he served for 34 years in the Marine Corps, 14 of them as a member of NASA’s Astronaut Office. Between 1986-94, he traveled to space four times to the International Space Station, commanding two missions and piloting the other two.
“It is quite an honor and privilege to be invited by a dear friend and fellow Naval aviator, President Ted Carter, to deliver the commencement address to The Ohio State University Class of 2025,” Bolden said in a statement. “I am excited to return to campus, where I have enjoyed my affiliation with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for many years, and to join the graduates and their families in celebrating the completion of their studies at this prestigious institution.”
Ohio State president Walter “Ted” Carter also released a statement after Bolden was selected.
“It’s an honor and privilege for Ohio State to have the opportunity to welcome Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden to our campus to share his lessons on life and leadership with our spring graduates,” Carter said. “Maj. Gen. Bolden is an exceptional leader who has dedicated his life to serving our country. In every role throughout his distinguished career, he has elevated the United States’ safety, security and prosperity. He perfectly embodies the Buckeye mission to serve a purpose greater than ourselves. This will be a special day for our graduates, their loved ones and the entire Ohio State community.”
