Loyola University New Orleans announced David Gergen, senior political analyst for CNN, as the speaker for the Spring 2014 commencement ceremony.

Gergen served as an assistant on the speech writing team for President Richard Nixon in 1971 and later became presidential adviser to both George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
According to a press release issued by the university, Gergen and Steve Gleason, kicker for the New Orleans Saints, will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony.

In addition to his work with the Saints, Gleason is also an advocate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fast-acting disease that attacks neurons that enable voluntary muscle movement.

Also receiving honorary degrees are Harold M. Messmer, Jr., A’67, CEO of Robert Half International; journalist and author Bethany Ewald Bultman; and Louisiana politician and political adviser James E. Fitzmorris, Jr., the press release said.

Carl E. Stewart, J.D. ’74, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, will speak at the College of Law commencement. Stewart will also receive an honorary degree, the press release said.

The Spring 2014 commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10.