The coronavirus pandemic has affected schools all over the United States, with traditional graduation ceremonies being foregone for virtual ceremonies instead. This weekend, Donald Trump’s eldest daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump will be delivering a commencement address at WSU Tech in Kansas.
As per Axios, Ivanka is announced to make a commencement address to the graduates of WSU Tech on Saturday. The virtual ceremony will take place at 3:00 p.m local time to be streamed online. In her prepared remarks, Ivanka will be telling the over 750 graduates that they are ‘wartime graduates.’
“Our entire society is engaged in a national endeavor to defeat the virus, protect our fellow citizens, and open up America again to rebuild our economy,” said the White House adviser, who serves alongside her husband, Jared Kushner.
Ivanka previously visited the university in October of 2019, touring its National Center for Aviation Training. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Senator Jerry Moran were also present during the visit. The WSU Tech president Sheree Utash was appointed by the Trump administration to serve in the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board earlier that year.
In the school’s announcement via The Wichita Eagle, Utash praised Ivanka, saying, “Because of her dedication to this cause I couldn’t think of anyone better to address our 2020 graduates. WSU Tech is honored and excited that she graciously accepted to be part of this truly unique occasion.” Utash also noted that Trump knows how tech schools can be able to meet the demands of laborers.
Ivanka has also been on the receiving end of the backlash that was mostly directed at her father over the recent days due to the protests. This week, Express reports, the first daughter made her first public appearance since sharing a verse from the Bible about healing in the midst of the protests that are calling for an end to racial injustice that was reignited by the death of George Floyd.
The first daughter sent her condolences to George Floyd’s family via social media. “People in Minneapolis are hurting for a reason. Justice is how we heal. My heart goes out to George Floyd’s family and all Americans who are hurting,” tweeted Ivanka.
However, many Twitter users responded negatively, noting her father’s tweets about shooting people and calling for the National Guard to help disperse the protests, including the peaceful ones.