The university is paying the Academy Award nominee $100,000 for his speech, the same sum given to Octavia Spencer at last year’s commencement, which garnered national media attention.
“No money will come from taxpayers or students’ tuition,” spokesman Eric Mansfield assured in a statement.
Mansfield said that students and alumni are already excited to hear Keaton’s message of moving from a wide-eyed young performer at Kent State to a Hollywood leading man. And Keaton seems to be looking forward to the event, too.
“It’s truly an honor for me, and I hope by taking part I can inspire others to pursue their dreams,” the former Batman said in a statement.
All graduating Kent State students are their families are invited to the commencement ceremony May 12.
This article appears in Feb 7-13, 2018.
Why so much money? Did his wife sell them uranium?