The President will deliver a commencement address at the university's May 5th ceremony.
Ohio State graduates will hear from President Obama at their spring commencement on May 5.
"This is a historic occasion for the university, the city of Columbus, and our graduates and their families," said President E. Gordon Gee. "We are honored to have President Obama address our graduates at the university’s largest commencement ever. To be sure, this is a signal moment in the life of one of the most vibrant and vital universities in our nation."
Obama will be the third sitting president to speak at an Ohio State University graduation.
George W. Bush spoke to spring quarter graduates in 2002. Gerald Ford spoke to summer quarter graduates shortly after taking over the presidency in 1974. In addition, both George H. W. Bush and Walter Mondale spoke to graduates when they were vice president.
This will be Obama’s fifth visit to Ohio State in the last 16 months.
Previous 2012 visits occurred in March, when he delivered a speech on alternative energy and energy independence; in May, when he officially kicked off his re-election campaign; in August, when he briefly visited the Ohio Union; and in October for a campaign rally on the Oval.
This is the university’s first spring graduation on the semester system. Approximately 12,000 students are expected to graduate, the largest class in university history.
Unlike in years past, tickets will be required to watch the graduation. OSU spokesperson Amy Murray says the White House is requiring the ticket system. She says each graduate will be allowed to get up to four tickets.
