Former Time, CNN exec to speak at commencement

Walter Isaacson, the president and CEO of the Aspen Institute, will deliver the keynote address at the May 23 commencement ceremony.

Isaacson was the CEO of CNN and the Managing Editor of Time Magazine. He recently released his third book, a bestselling biography of Benjamin Franklin. The Aspen Institute brings world business and political leaders together to discuss and research current international trends.

Joining Isaacson at the 148th commencement day ceremony will be five honorary degree recipients.

Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong will receive an honorary doctorate of engineering, musician and Tufts graduate Tracy Chapman will receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts, and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Richard Lugar (R-IN) will receive an honorary doctorate of laws.

Morehouse College President and former National Science Foundation director Walter Massey will receive an honorary doctorate of science degree, and former University Board of Trustees Chair Nathan Gantcher will receive an honorary doctorate of business administration.

Isaacson himself will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Last year's commencement day speaker was Massachusetts Supreme Court Chief Justice Margaret Marshall.