Xavier University of New Orleans has announced that National Urban League CEO Marc Morial will deliver the address at its 84th annual commencement on May 7 at Lakefront Arena. It will be a homecoming for Morial, who served two terms as the mayor of the “Crescent City” before taking the helm of the New York based civil and economic rights organization. Mr. Morial’s nationally syndicated “To Be Equal” column is carried by NorthStar News. The Class of 2011 is expected to be 500 strong and the commencement ceremony will attract thousands of family members and friends of the graduates. The festivities are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

In addition to Morial, Xavier has announced it will reward honorary degrees to businesswoman and philanthropist Camille Cosby, Debra Lee, the chair and CEO of BET Holdings, and alumni and Olympic medalist Herbert Douglas, Jr.

Prior to the Commencement Xavier University will hold its annual Baccalaureate Mass and Honors Convocation on Friday, May 6 at 7:00 pm in the university Gymnasium. Bishop Dominic Carmon, S.V.D., will serve as the Main Celebrant for the Mass and Father John Moran, OMI, will be the Homilist.