Rochester, N.Y. - U of R alumnus and outgoing U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu will deliver the University of Rochester’s commencement address in May.
At the ceremony, Chu, a Nobel laureate in physics, will receive the George Eastman Medal, which recognizes outstanding achievement and dedicated service.
The medal was created in honor of Eastman, one of the University's great benefactors and the founder of Eastman Kodak Company.
"I am delighted to welcome back to campus distinguished alumnus Steven Chu," said University President Joel Seligman. “As one of our nation’s leading scientists, Steve has devoted his talent and knowledge to making significant contributions to global energy solutions, and through his leadership and service has advanced our country’s clean energy goals. His achievements are an inspiration to our students and his Commencement address will be enormously meaningful to our graduates and their families. His association with the University is a point of pride for the entire community.”
A member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 1999-2009, Chu earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and in physics from the U of R in 1970.
This month, Chu announced his intent to step down as U.S. energy secretary to “return to an academic life of teaching and research.”
He was appointed energy secretary by President Barack Obama in December 2008.
The college commencement will be held May 19.
