Brad Delson to keynote UCLA commencement

From newsroom.ucla.edu, and joehahn.org

Brad Delson, a UCLA alumnus and lead guitarist for the Grammy-winning band Linkin Park, will deliver keynote remarks at the UCLA College of Letters and Science commencement ceremony on June 12, campus officials announced today.

Delson earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from UCLA, graduating summa cum laude in 1999.

Delson and his wife established the Delson Scholarship Fund at UCLA, which annually awards four-year scholarships to extraordinary students from Huntington Park, Calif.

"Brad Delson is not only an innovative musician, but he is also a social activist who is committed to change through education," said Judith L. Smith, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education in the UCLA College of Letters and Science. "I am thrilled that Brad will be helping to commemorate this important occasion in the lives of our graduates and their families, and we are grateful that he has agreed to do so on short notice."

The ceremony, which will take place in Pauley Pavilion, is the primary commencement event for UCLA's graduating seniors.

Delson was picked based on recommendations from a selection committee after the scheduled keynote speaker, actor and UCLA alumnus James Franco, canceled the week prior to the event because of filming commitments.