Notre Dame invites Mike Pence to speak at graduation, avoiding Trump controversy

SOUTH BEND — The University of Notre Dame, facing a difficult decision about whether to invite President Donald Trump to be its commencement speaker, will instead host Vice President Mike Pence at the May 21 graduation ceremony.

Pence, the former Indiana governor, will be the first vice president of the United States to deliver the commencement address. He will also receive an honorary degree.

"It is fitting that in the 175th year of our founding on Indiana soil that Notre Dame recognize a native son who served our state and now the nation with quiet earnestness, moral conviction and a dedication to the common good characteristic of true statesmen," the Rev. John I. Jenkins, Notre Dame's president, said in a written statement. "With his own brand of reserved dignity, Mike Pence instilled confidence on the state level then, and on the world stage now. We are proud to welcome him to represent the new administration."

Pence said in a press release that he is humbled by Notre Dame's invitation.

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