Obama to deliver commencement at Univ. of Michigan

President Barack Obama will speak at the University of Michigan's spring commencement, the school said Thursday.

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman announced that the Ann Arbor university would give the president an honorary Doctor of Laws at its May 1st commencement, the first reported appearance for the president at this year's graduations.

"President Obama has captured the imagination and enthusiasm of many students with his inspiring words of hope and change. We are honored to welcome a leader of his distinction and look forward to his message,” Coleman said in a statement. “We could not be happier for the graduates who will celebrate their academic achievements with the president of the United States.”

The president traditionally gives several commencement addresses in the spring, one of which is at a military academy.

Last year Obama addressed the Naval Academy, Arizona State, and Notre Dame, a traditional sports rival of Michigan. The Notre Dame address drew controversy when a former ambassador to the Vatican declined to accept an honorary degree alongside Obama, citing the president's supports for abortion rights.

The graduation will be held at Michigan Stadium, which is also known as the "Big House" for its record-holding capacity.