Eric LeGrand Will Speak at Rutgers Commencement
Eric LeGrand will address commencement at Rutgers University along with former Governor Tom Kean.
LeGrand will also receive his degree in labor studies in the school of Arts and Sciences "personally" from Barchi. "Eric holds a special place in the hearts of the Class of 2014 and the entire university community. We are thrilled that he will be joining us on stage to make this special occasion even more memorable," wrote the university president.
LeGrand tweeted his acceptance of Barchi's invitation. After speaking with Pres. Barchi I will join Gov. Kean speaking at @RutgersU graduating class of 2014. Lets keep the focus on the graduates.
The football player on Monday night tweeted that "Rutgers offered me the commencement speech this weekend and I was going to accept but they decided to go other ways for political reasons."
Kean and LeGrand will speak in place of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary degree. The news of Rice was met with protests by some students and faculty. She withdrew from the ceremony in a statement over the weekend.
LeGrand explained to NJ.com he got a phone call over from the for Rutgers president Robert Barchi's chief of staff Greg Jackson asking him to "do Rutgers a favor and give the commencement speech." The 23-year-old took the call in Florida where he was attending a charity event and left it that he and Jackson would firm up the details on Monday.
He says he got a call from Athletic Director Julie Hermann on Monday breaking the news that Kean would deliver the commencement speech instead. "She told me, 'I was pushing for you, but President Barchi decided to go in another direction for political reasons. But he wants you to come to the ceremony. He wants to personally give you your degree."
LeGrand earned his degree in labor studies in the school of Arts and Sciences at the end of 2013 and was going to get his degree at commencement on May 18.
“I’m very upset about it,” LeGrand told MyCentralJersey.com. “I was all excited all weekend thinking about what I was going to say. It’s rough.” He said he isn't sure if he will attend the ceremony. “I know that President Barchi wants to hand me my degree but now I’m hesitant. I feel like they offered me, and then changed their mind. I don't know why," he told the newspaper.
State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) came to LeGrand's defense in asking the university for an explanation. "Eric LeGrand is an inspiration to the nation and arguably the most respected and visible ambassador for Rutgers. Eric is the quintessential role model, and a perfect choice to address Rutgers graduates and offer them advice about overcoming life’s challenges. He deserves an explanation," wrote Sweeney in a press release.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Eric LeGrand 'hurt' by Rutgers' failure to explain commencement speech decision / NJ.com
- Eric LeGrand: Rutgers offered chance to speak at commencement, but reversed decision / MyCentralJersey.com