U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will address De Anza College’s graduates at the Spring 2010 graduation ceremony as the keynote speaker.

De Anza had a number of options for who could give the speech, but once Mr. Duncan showed interest in speaking at the graduation administration quickly chose him for the keynote speaker, said Marissa Spatafore, Marketing and Communications director at De Anza College.

“His office called to offer him to speak at both [Foothill and De Anza’s] commencement ceremonies,” said Spatafore.

Duncan graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1987, and has been a lifelong proponent of better education for America. Duncan continues to help raise the standards in education, and in 2009 joined the Obama administration; taking his goals to the federal level.

“We are thrilled to have him here because of his pivotal role in the Obama administration,” said Spatafore

“Duncan, who is a proponent for community colleges, wanted to speak here at De Anza,” said Spatafore. “To have him here to mark such a milestone in the students lives, it is a great honor.”

Martha J. Kanter, former chancellor for De Anza and Foothill Colleges, now works with Duncan as under secretary of Education and will also attend the graduation ceremonies.

Graduation will be held Saturday, June 26 at 9 a.m. in the Outdoor Events Arena, followed by a reception.