WASHINGTON – Presidential spokesman Tony Snow will speak at The Catholic University of America's commencement on May 12, the university announced Thursday.
"I have long admired Tony's objectivity and integrity as a journalist," the university's president, Rev. David M. O'Connell, said in a statement. "His current position as White House press secretary has provided him with an incomparable stage upon which to bring those qualities to bear in the work that he does."
Snow, a former radio and TV commentator, started working at the White House last April. Prior to his appointment, he was a news anchor and political analyst for the Fox News Channel.
Snow, 51, had his colon removed in 2005 and underwent six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Last month, the White House announced that his cancer had returned and spread to his liver and elsewhere in his body.
"Sitting next to him at a White House dinner last summer, I was impressed with his sincere manner, good humor and the ease with which he spoke of the role faith has played in his life," O'Connell said. "I am sure that in recent days his faith has been both tested and strengthened."
Catholic University also announced Thursday that this year's law school commencement speaker will be Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson.
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