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Bloomberg named UM commencement speaker
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Billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will be the commencement speaker at the University of Maryland, College Park this spring.
Bloomberg is typically associated in Maryland with his alma mater, Johns Hopkins University, one of the other top research universities in the state.
“It is an honor to speak at the commencement of one of America’s top public universities – especially one that has been such a leader on sustainability and climate change,” Bloomberg said in a statement. “I have strong ties in Maryland and I look forward to addressing all the Terps on their big day.”
Last fall, Bloomberg made an historic $1.8 billion gift to Hopkins to provide money for student financial aid. It is the largest single gift to an American university.
Bloomberg, who is considering a run for president as a Democrat, has weighed in on a couple of issues before the state General Assembly, including gun control measures and support for Hopkins’ desire to create its own police force.
The commencement ceremony will take place May 24 at the university’s Xfinity Center.
“Mr. Bloomberg’s successful innovation in business, public service and civic engagement represents an extraordinary role model for our students and graduates on this Do Good campus,” Wallace Loh, the university’s president, said in a statement. “He has shown himself a true champion of higher education, the environment, and public health. We welcome him.”
