Philip Rivers, quarterback for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers, will be N.C. State’s commencement speaker at the spring ceremony May 12.

Rivers, who graduated from N.C. State in 2003 and set many athletic records as a Wolfpack football player, has also made his political stance public.

“I am supporting Rick Santorum for President because of his stance on issues that attack vital Christian values our country was founded upon,” Rivers said in a statement. “No abortion, upholding traditional marriage, defending religious freedom, no euthanasia. ”

“Rick Santorum will also fight to create jobs and expand opportunities for all Americans.  I am proud to endorse Senator Santorum and do what I can to help him secure the Republican nomination for President of the United States.”

The strong political stance has been disconcerting for some members of the University community, as it may bring politics into an otherwise positive graduation day.

Justine Hollingshead, director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Center at N.C. State commented on the statement.

 ”I certainly am not one to judge who people support as a political candidate. It’s unfortunate that he doesn’t view marriage equality as something that should be afforded to everyone,” Hollingshead said.

“For some reason, marriage needing to be protected is a very conservative narrow-minded focus,” Hollingshead said. “You would hope somebody of his influence and a role model would be more embracing of anything.”

“I don’t think that that should make a difference about him speaking at N.C. State,” Dancy said. “If you can’t put political differences aside, that’s your own