The University of Notre Dame is deviating from its long-standing tradition of inviting newly inaugurated presidents to deliver the commencement address. This year, Joint Chiefs of Staff Acting Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady will deliver the address instead of U.S. President Donald Trump or Vice President JD Vance.
Since the 1970s, Notre Dame has invited six U.S. presidents to deliver commencement addresses, including Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. However, this year’s decision marks a departure from this tradition.
The university’s decision was reportedly influenced by the campus community’s divided opinions on whether to invite Trump or Vance. While College Republicans urged an invitation, College Democrats discouraged it.
Notre Dame President Father Robert A. Dowd praised Adm. Grady as an “American hero” who has demonstrated “tremendous courage, visionary leadership, and outstanding dedication to public service”. The commencement ceremony will take place on 18 May.