URI gets N.J. mayor for commencement

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) - Cory Booker has been scheduled to give the commencement address at the University of Rhode Islands graduation this May.

The Newark, N.J. mayor is expected to speak in front of about 3,300 students at the ceremony on May 22,

Booker has been credited with transforming his cites schools and economy in his time as mayor.

 Booker oversaw the restructuring of Newark's Police Department which is credited with a major reduction in violent crime.

He has also received high praise for making the cites schools an urban education model with the help of a $100 million dollar donation from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. 

Also expected to receive honorary degrees are Plastics company executive Victor Baxt and former Hasbro Inc. CEO Alan Hassenfield. 

Climate Scientist Margaret Leinen is scheduled to address the URI graduate students on May 21.