Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael S. Steele will serve as the Commencement Speaker at this year’s ceremony, scheduled for May 21.

In January 2003, Lt. Gov. Steele earned a place in history when he became the first African American elected to statewide office, and the first-ever Republican Lieutenant Governor in Maryland. As Lieutenant Governor, Steele serves as a partner, advisor and principal representative for Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.—working with the state’s congressional delegation, state and local elected officials to promote and implement the administration’s policies and initiatives.

He is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Maryland where, in 1998, he was recognized as the Man of the Year.