Defense Secy. Gates to speak at Notre Dame commencement in May

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been selected to be the commencement speaker at the University of Notre Dame in May.

The Rev. John Jenkins, the school's president, says Gates was selected because of his service to the nation and to higher education. Gates has been secretary of defense since 2006, serving under both the Bush and Obama administrations. Before that he was president of Texas A&M University for four years, and is former CIA chief with long experience in government.

Jenkins says he believes Gates' perspectives on the nation and world will be of considerable interest to Notre Dame's graduating class.

The commencement will be held May 22 at Notre Dame Stadium.