By By Anne Baker, News Staff

Northeastern has been bitten by the fashion bug.
Clothing designer and philanthropist Kenneth Cole will deliver the university’s keynote commencement speech to undergraduates this year, university officials plan to announce today.
Cole is the chairman and chief creative officer of the clothing brand Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
‘Kenneth Cole is an excellent example of a business leader and social entrepreneur who has been successful on the world stage,’ President Joseph Aoun said in a statement yesterday. ‘Today’s graduates will need to be innovative and entrepreneurial to navigate the complex world they will face after graduation.’
Cole has also been involved in various social causes, including AIDS research and ending homelessness, according to the release. He is the current chair of the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and a founding board member to the homeless advocacy organization, HELP. In 2008, Cole launched the AWEARNESS fund, a not-for-profit initiative supporting volunteering and service.
‘The story of this businessman and humanitarian will be a wonderful inspiration for Northeastern’s commencement,’ President Aoun said.
Last year’s keynote graduation speaker was Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox.
In addition to delivering the keynote address, Cole will receive an honorary Northeastern degree. The other honorary degree recipients are Molly Corbett Broad, the first woman president of the American Council on Education; Barry Shrage, president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies; Dr. Gary Gottlieb, president of Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Keith Motley, chancellor of UMass Boston; and Angela Menino, wife of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.
Dr. Gottlieb will also give the keynote address for the afternoon commencement service.
Nominations for commencement speaker are solicited by the President’s Office and are vetted by the Commencement Committee and the Board of Trustees, who have the final say on the selection, according to an article in the March 13 issue of the Northeastern News last year. In addition to the speaker, the university accepts suggestions for honorary degree candidates, which are also presented at each commencement ceremony.
Undergraduate commencement will take place at 10:30 a.m. on May 1 at the TD Banknorth Garden.