COLUMBUS -- U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts Jr., R-Oklahoma, will deliver the commencement address during The Ohio State University's spring ceremony on June 9. Approximately 4,700 graduates will receive degrees during the ceremony, to be held on the Oval. Commencement begins at 9:30 a.m.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunity to come to speak at the commencement of The Ohio State University," Watts said. "It will be my pleasure to join in celebration with graduates and their families what a great day of accomplishment."

As a Congressman, Watts is known throughout the nation as a proponent for balancing the budget, providing tax relief, protecting Social Security, sending education dollars and decisions back to local schools, and in strengthening the nation's defense.

He also supports cultural renewal and stronger families. He introduced the Community Renewal Project, which represents the culmination of more than eight years worth of vision for poorer communities. This project attempts to bring cultural and economic renewal to communities by encouraging investment and savings, offering school choice and allowing citizens the option to use faith-based programs.

"Watts is known for being a dynamic speaker, and he's had an interesting career," said David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs. "His is a great story."

Rep. Deborah Pryce of Ohio was instrumental in helping university officials make contact with Watts, Williams said. "We owe her our thanks."

"I wish I could push up my graduation so I could be sitting in that row hearing his words," said Pete LuPiba, president of the College Republicans and senior communications major who plans to graduate this summer. "He's someone who represents the future."

He has been commended for his efforts in Congress with numerous community awards, including the 1996 Junior Chamber of Commerce's Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award, the Jefferson Award for promoting economic prosperity and free enterprise and the Christian Coalition's Friend of the Family Award.

For the past several years, Watts has been a committed spokesman for groups including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and various anti-drug campaigns across Oklahoma and nation. Currently, he serves on Oklahoma's FCA board of representatives and is a leader for the Orphan Foundation of America. In addition to his Congressional duties, Watts travels across the nation as a guest preacher.

Watts received a B.A. in journalism in 1981 from the University of Oklahoma. While in college, Watts was quarterback for the Sooners, leading them to consecutive Big Eight Championships and Orange Bowl victories. He also was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 1980 and 1981 Orange Bowl wins over Florida State. From 1981 to 1986, he started for Ottawa and Toronto in the Canadian Football League and was voted the MVP of the Grey Cup, the CFL's Super Bowl, his rookie season. Watts was inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Honor in 1992.

After returning to Oklahoma, Watts served as a youth minister at Sunnylane Baptist Church in Del City, Okla., from January 1987 until December 1994, when he became associate pastor. His entrance into elective office began in 1990 when he was elected to the Oklahoma State Corporation Commission. After serving as chairman for the three-member commission, Watts decided to seek the 4th District Congressional Seat in 1994. Starting his third consecutive term, Watts was elected to the fourth highest-ranking Republican position to serve as House Republican Conference Chairman. He also serves on the Armed Services Committee, and is a member of the Morale, Welfare and Recreational Panel.

This event will mark Watts' second trip to campus in two weeks. He and Pryce will participate in a student town meeting on May 31 in the Ohio Union East Ballroom, 1739 N. High St.

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