5-11-2010

Contact: Amy Murray,

David Gergen to speak at Ohio State’s spring commencement

Advisor to four presidents, journalist and professor

David Gergen will be the speaker for Ohio State University’s spring commencement, set for Sunday, June 13 at Ohio Stadium. Approximately 7,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students will receive degrees at the ceremony, which begins at noon. Graduates and guests can find complete information on the ceremony at commencement.osu.edu.

A White House advisor, journalist, and teacher over the past 40 years, David Gergen has served in the administrations of Presidents Nixon and Ford; was director of communications for President Reagan, and served as counselor to President Clinton on both foreign policy and domestic affairs.

He is a professor of public service at the Harvard Kennedy School, and also directs its Center for Public Leadership.

Gergen is also editor-at-large for U.S. News & World Report and a CNN senior political analyst, and author of the bestselling book, Eyewitness to Power: The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton.

“We are deeply honored to have David Gergen address our graduates,” said Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. “No fewer than four presidents have depended upon his wise political analysis, broad historical understanding, and superb common sense. Without question, his insights at this time of great challenge and opportunity will enrich and enliven our Commencement ceremony.”

Gergen visited Ohio State in 2007 to speak to students in the Moritz College of Law, and in 2002 to deliver a lecture on the future of leadership.

Gergen visited Ohio State in 2007 to speak to students in the Moritz College of Law, and in 2002 to deliver a lecture on the future of leadership.

From 1985-86, Gergen served as editor of U.S. News & World Report. He also teamed up with Mark Shields for political commentary every Friday night for five years on the MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. The two were a popular political team and won numerous accolades for their political coverage.

A member of the District of Columbia Bar, Gergen is an honors graduate of Yale University and the Harvard Law School

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