Mandela Widow to Deliver Morgan's 139th Commencement Address

Morgan State University President David Wilson today announced that the Honorable Graca Machel will be the commencement speaker for the University’s 139^th spring graduation ceremonies on May 16, 2015. Machel is the widow of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

“This is an extraordinary honor for Morgan and for our graduates,” said Dr. Wilson.

As the widow of both Nelson Mandela and of former Mozambican President Samora Machel, Graca Machel is the only woman in history to have been first lady of two republics at different times. She served as first lady of Mozambique from 1975 until 1986 and, after marrying Mandela in July of 1998, served as the first lady of South Africa until 1999. She is known around the world for her humanitarian work and is a staunch advocate for the rights of women and children. She helped establish, Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage, and currently chairs the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. A graduate of the University of Lisbon, Machel was named among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2010. She is author of the book, “The Impact of War on Children.”

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