As budget cuts and a sluggish economy weigh heavily on the minds of students, Gov. Tom Vilsack will be speaking at Iowa State’s undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Vilsack will speak at 1:30 p.m. on May 10 in Hilton Coliseum.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said he thinks Vilsack will be well received by graduates.

“I think Iowa State students understand the issues and challenges that Iowa has had with its overall economic condition and the state’s budget,” Geoffroy said. “Governor Vilsack has been a strong supporter of education, and his budget recommendations this year were positive for Iowa State.”

Vlisack could not be reached for comment.

Commencement is an important moment in the lives of graduates, said Charles Dobbs, assistant to the president and professor of military history.

“They all get to have their names read, their moms smile and their friends punch them in the arm when they sit back down,” Dobbs said. “There are important moments people look back on in their lives, and this is one of them. It marks a transition from even being an older child to becoming a full adult.

“It’s important to go, just to have that clear mark to say ‘I’ve done this,'” Dobbs said. “Because at that point you’re an Iowa State alumni, and hopefully that’s why you came here.”

Past speakers for spring commencement ceremonies have been ISU President Geoffroy in May 2002 and Interim President Robert Seagrave in May 2001, said Kathleen Jones, ISU registrar.

“I think bringing someone outside the university is meant to inspire students,” said Beth Brei, senior in statistics and Senior Class Council president.

“It might bring some people, but [for] people who choose not to go they probably wouldn’t go no matter who speaks,” said Brei, who will also be a speaker at commencement.

The undergraduate commencement ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. May 10 at Hilton Coliseum. Tickets are not required. For additional information call the graduation office at 294-9372 or visit http://web2.iastate.edu/~registrar/graduation/.