Kernan to Speak at Holy Cross College’s 41st Commencement
April 22, 2008)—On Saturday May 10, 2008, Mr. Joe Kernan will deliver the commencement speech at Holy Cross College. The former Governor of Indiana and current part-owner of the South Bend Silver Hawks, Mr. Kernan has also been a longtime public servant for the City of South Bend serving as South Bend City Controller and Mayor of South Bend.
Kernan graduated from St. Joseph High School then crossed the street to the University of Notre Dame, where he played catcher for the Notre Dame baseball team on an athletic scholarship and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Upon graduation in 1969, he enlisted in the Navy as a Naval Flight Officer and served aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. After 26 missions flying over Laos and North Vietnam, his plane was shot down on May 7, 1972. He was captured, beaten, and held as a prisoner in Hanoi for 11 months. After his release, Kernan continued on active duty until December 1974. He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon, two Purple Heart Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, two Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The commencement ceremony will take place in the St. Joseph Chapel on the campus of Holy Cross College.
Published 4/22/2008 by Mike Davids