Bill Clinton to Speak at Columbia College Commencement

Former President Bill Clinton will speak at the Columbia College commencement ceremony on May 5. 

Columbia College President Caroline Whitson said Clinton's work with his foundation, the William J. Clinton Foundation, makes him an ideal speaker for the ceremony. 

"The global work of former President Clinton through his foundation is an inspiring model for our graduates who have been challenged at Columbia College to use their educations to make a difference in the world," Whitson said. "President Clinton's mission to engage the next generation of leaders to solve global challenges is a message that is so fitting for our students."

This will be the first time a former president has given the commencement address at Columbia College, according to a release on the college's website. Former first lady Barbara Bush spoke at the 2005 spring commencement, and then-cadidate Hillary Clinton visited the college during her 2008 presidential campaign.

The college already has received requests from the public about attending or viewing Clinton's speeech, according to the college's website. 

The commencement ceremony is an invitation-only event for graduates and their families, according to the website, but information about viewing the event online will be posted later.

Columbia College is a women's college founded in 1854 by representatives of the South Carolina Methodist Conference. The school now offers evening and graduate programs for both men and women.