Graham to get honorary degree at Clemson University commencement

CLEMSON, SC – May 4, 2011 –  U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities at commencement exercises at Clemson University Friday, May 13, in Littlejohn Coliseum.

The colleges of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Architecture, Arts and Humanities; and Engineering and Science will confer degrees in a 9:30 a.m. ceremony during which Graham will be honored. A second ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. for the College of Business and Behavioral Science and the College of Health, Education and Human Development. Approximately 2,700 degrees will be awarded in the two ceremonies.

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 after having served in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the S.C. House of Representatives. He served in the U.S. Air Force and the S.C. Air National Guard and currently holds the rank of colonel in the U.S. Air Reserves.

A native of Central, Graham received bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He has been an advocate for Clemson University’s economic development initiatives, particularly those related to energy independence and a green economy.

Seating for the graduation ceremonies is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional seating will be set up in the four corners of the coliseum’s concourse, where guests can watch the ceremony live on large-screen televisions.

Live video from both commencement ceremonies will be streamed online at www.clemson.edu