Laura Bush to deliver 2009 SMU commencement address

by Staff of The Daily Mustang

Former First Lady Laura Bush will speak at the Hilltop’s 94th Commencement ceremony on May 16.

The SMU alumna graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She worked as both a public school teacher and librarian in Texas, bringing her passion for education to the White House with such programs as the first National Book Festival, Helping America’s Youth and Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development.

In 1999, Bush received SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Her achievements were further recogized that year with the Laura Bush Promenade–the flower-filled garden and seating area leading up to Fondren Library–contributed by then Governor George W. Bush.

In a statement released yesterday, President R. Gerald Turner explained the University’s decision to invite Bush as this year’s speaker:

“With her life-long dedication to education and the global insights she has gained from her years as First Lady, Mrs. Bush will offer a unique perspective to our graduates. At the same time, she brings a shared memory of her own graduation from the University.”