University president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg announced in October that former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush will speak at Commencement 2006, where they will also receive honorary degrees for their decades of public service. This event marks the 60th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s 1946 Commencement address to the graduating class that included his own daughter, Margaret.

As first lady, Mrs. Bush called literacy in America the “most important issue we have.” A proponent of numerous causes, she advocated for the homeless, AIDS, the elderly, and school volunteer programs.

Prior to his election, President Bush served eight years as vice president under President Ronald Reagan. He also served two terms as a representative to Congress from Texas, was ambassador to the United Nations, chairman of the Republican National Committee, chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. He initiated his service to his country on his 18th birthday, when he enlisted in the armed forces, becoming the youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings. He would eventually fly 58 combat missions during World War II.

President Trachtenberg described the pair as “role models for generations,” and commented on their “dedication to public service; their strength as individuals and as a couple; their strong family values, and their faith in America.” Commencement 2006 will be held on the National Mall, near the United States Capitol, on May 21.