Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney will address this spring’s graduates Friday as speaker for the main commencement ceremony.
Chancellor Mark Emmert confirmed the vice president’s visit and said he is excited about the special nature of the speaker. University archives indicate Chaney will be the highest ranking sitting official to address graduates.
“He’s the second highest ranking elected official,” Emmert said. “This will be a special treat for the students.”
The University began its efforts to bring either Cheney or President George W. Bush to campus around December. Through the help of alumni and friends of the University including businessman Lod Cook and U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin, Emmert said the White House agreed someone would speak at commencement.
“A few weeks ago the White House said the president couldn’t come, but that he’d love to do it some other time,” Emmert said. Cheney’s secretary last week confirmed his visit to campus.
Kristine Calongne with University Relations said Cheney’s visit should continue as schedule despite Bush raising the terror threat level to orange or “elevated” this week.
But because of the special nature of the speaker increased security procedures will be in effect for the event. University Relations encourages those who plan to attend the 8:45 a.m. ceremony to arrive early. Doors to the PMAC will open at 6 a.m.
Attendants should expect some parking lot and road closures in addition to metal detectors and bag searches at the entrances, according to a University Relation’s press release.
Graduates should bring their LSU ID’s for admission. Their guests must have a ticket for the event.