U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn will give the address at Coastal Carolina University’s spring commencement ceremony, set for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Brooks Stadium. Approximately 1,200 students are eligible to participate in the ceremony, which recognizes May and August candidates for graduation. The ceremony will be streamed live on the CCU website at http://www.coastal.edu/graduation/spring_stream.html.

Clyburn will also receive the honorary degree, Doctor of Public Service, from CCU.

Representing South Carolina’s 6th District, Clyburn holds the position of Assistant Democratic Leader in the 112th Congress. He is the leadership liaison to the Appropriations Committee and one of the Democratic Caucus’ primary liaisons to the White House.

A native of Sumter, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from South Carolina State University. He worked on the staff of Gov. John C. West and served as the state’s human affairs commissioner before being elected to Congress in 1993. Clyburn was elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1999, and he served as House Majority Whip from 2007 to 2011.

A lifelong advocate of civil rights, Clyburn was elected president of his NAACP youth chapter at 12 years old and helped organize marches and demonstrations as a student leader in college. As a congressman, he has assisted America’s diverse communities by encouraging economic development and educational progress.

The ceremony will include the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates for academic achievement and recognition of retiring faculty members.

In case of inclement weather, commencement exercises will be held in the Kimbel Arena on the CCU campus and divided into three ceremonies. For more details and ticket information, visit the website at www.coastal.edu/graduation.