Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, has been announced as Fordham’s 2010 Commencement speaker.

McAleese will address the Fordham community as the University’s 165th commencement speaker on May 22, and will receive an honorary doctorate of laws, according to the official Fordham press release.

“It is a great honor to Fordham to have someone who has been such a positive force in the world,” Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), said. Her interest in reconciliation coupled with justice is a model that I wish all world leaders followed.”

“In her leadership, integrity and scholarship, President McAleese is the model to which our graduates should aspire,” Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham, said, according to the official press release. “We look forward to bringing her into the Fordham family.”

McAleese is the second female president of Ireland and the world’s first woman to have succeeded another woman as an elected head-of-state. She was an experienced broadcaster, barrister and law professor in Ireland before becoming president.

Keith Eldredge, dean of students at FCLC, said, “I’m excited about having a foreign head-of-state… It brings prestige to the University.”

Jason Greif, assistant dean for juniors and transfer students, said, “It is a tremendous honor to have someone of her stature come to Fordham. I’m happy that she’s available and eager to be here.”