Legendary actor, comedian, author and philanthropist, Dr. William "Bill" H. Cosby, Jr. will be North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University's Spring 2008 Commencement speaker. The commencement will be held Saturday, May 10, 8:30 a.m. (processional) at the Greensboro Coliseum. More than 1,100 students will receive degrees.

Cosby – a best-selling, award-winning comedian and author who uses humor to provide an insight into our roles as parents, began his career performing in night clubs while attending Temple University. He has had many hit comedy albums, television shows and books including, “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” which ran for 12 years. His most memorable achievement was the success of “The Cosby Show,” from 1984-1992.

It was Cosby’s interest in education and youth that motivated the talented artist to earn both a master’s and doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts .

Cosby and Dr. Alvin F. Poussaint, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Judge Baker Children’s Center, have written a new book Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors. The book builds on the themes of Cosby’s popular call-out sessions, in which he challenges people to reclaim and restore their families and communities.

Cosby recently lent his name to a collaborative educational program, the Cosby Kids Initiative, at N.C. A&T and Guilford Technical Community College that aims to enhance the academic performance and related areas of targeted students in fourth, sixth and eighth grade.

A&T will also be hosting a special performance, “An Evening with Bill Cosby” on May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Guilford Ballroom at the Sheraton Four Seasons. For more information call 336.433.5570.