Entertainer and education advocate Bill Cosby will be the keynote speaker for the year's Commencement Convocation May 13 at 4 p.m. in the Greek Theater.

Cosby was last on campus to watch his daughter, Erika, receive her master of fine arts degree in 1993. She addressed her fellow graduates, but Cosby's role was strictly that of proud parent.

The campus at the time issued an invitation to him to come back in a more public role. Last fall he contacted the chancellor and offered to speak at this year's convocation. The convocation is the one opportunity all graduating seniors have to gather as a group before their individual school or department commencement exercises.

The program includes an address by this year's University Medalist and the recognition of several senior award winners.

Seniors have priority for the event at the Greek Theater, which has about 8,000 seats. The remaining space will be made available to the public.