Thomas L. Friedman to speak at commencement

Thomas L. Freidman, a New York Times columnist and internationally acclaimed author, will be the commencement speaker for the university's Class of 2009, university President Patrick Harker has announced.

Friedman is the author of five books, the most recent of which is "Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution - and How it Can Renew America." His other books include "The World is Flat," "Longitudes and Attitudes," "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" and "From Beirut to Jerusalem." He writes the foreign affairs column for the New York Times.

According to a release from UDaily, Friedman will receive an honorary degree at the commencement ceremony, which will be held May 30 at Delaware Stadium. The most recent commencement speakers include Cal Ripken Jr.; William P. Kupper Jr., president and chief executive officer of BusinessWeek group; Ron Chernow, author and winner of the National Book Award; and Jeff Shaara, author of "Gods and Generals."