McCain to speak at law school graduation

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat U.S. Senator and presidential candidate John McCain is slated to speak at the law school commencement ceremony in UA's Centennial Hall.

McCain, R-Ariz., who announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination April 13, will be the guest speaker during the 3 p.m. ceremony in the University of Arizona's Centennial Hall. The request for the senator came from the law students.

"Generally, the students here make a selection and invite the person they selected," said Martha Fenn, law school special projects coordinator. "(Law school) Dean (Joel) Seligman approached him on behalf of the students."

McCain has served in the Senate since 1986 and spent two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives prior to that. He was a prisoner of war for more than five years in Vietnam

There are 154 students graduating at the ceremony, with 138 receiving their juris doctor degree and 16 receiving a masters degree in international trade law.

James E. Rogers, the owner of Sunbelt Communications who last fall committed to donating $115 million to the law school, will receive an honorary law degree in international trade law.

The tensions in Kosovo and the need to campaign have increased the demand on McCain's time. Fenn said that the law school was fortunate for having contacted him and getting him to accept in early March.

"It was decided he would speak before the war broke out and well before he announced his campaign," Fenn said.

Fenn did not know how long the senator would speak or what his topic would be.

McCain's office could not be reached for this story.