Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb will give a keynote address at Ball State's spring commencement.

Holcomb will be speaking at 10 a.m., May 4 on the Arts Terrace to about 3,200 Ball State students expecting to receive their diplomas, according to a press release.

“We are very grateful to Governor Holcomb for speaking to and inspiring our graduates and their families,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns in the release. “The Governor has supported higher education and Ball State during his time in office. We look forward to Governor Holcomb joining us as we celebrate this major achievement in the lives of our students.”

This is the first time a sitting Indiana governor will give an address at the Ball State spring commencement, according to the release.

Mearns also said in the release that Janet, Holcomb's wife, is a Ball State graduate and long-time supporter of the college. 

Holcomb is a veteran of the United States Navy, served as the state’s 51st Lieutenant Governor, was a trusted advisor to both Gov. Mitch Daniels and Sen. Dan Coats and is a former state chairman of the Indiana Republican Party. 

He is also a graduate of Pike High School in Indianapolis and Hanover College in southeastern Indiana where he majored in U.S. history with a focus on the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. 

“Ball State University has been inspiring students for 100 years, and I’m honored to speak to this historic Centennial graduating class,” Governor Holcomb said in the release. “As these students embark on fulfilling careers, I am excited to celebrate this major milestone in their pursuit of lifelong learning.”

The processional begins at 9:30 a.m., lineup at 9 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 10 a.m. The event will be streamed live.

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