Mortimer Caplin, former commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, will deliver the University's Commencement address during final exercises May 18.
The public occasion subcommittee and University President John T. Casteen III announced the selection yesterday.
"His speaking at finals is a significant event, especially in light of the student role in inviting him," Casteen said. "He has important views on our society, culture and economy. He knows the University uncommonly well."
Caplin received a call from Alexander "Sandy" Gilliam Jr., secretary to the Board of Visitors and head of the subcommittee, as well as a formal letter from Casteen last week. Caplin accepted the invitation and said he felt honored to accept.
"It wasn't a hard decision to make, it was an honor and a privilege," Caplin said.
Caplin graduated from the College in 1937 and from the Law School in 1940. He also clerked for the former dean of the Law School and taught tax law for 11 years at the University.
Caplin is "arguably the most prominent of all experts on tax law," Casteen said.
He added that many often say Caplin is the most prominent, living University alumnus, citing his accomplishments as a famous collegiate athlete, war hero, distinguished attorney, law professor, IRS commissioner and art patron.
Gilliam said the subcommittee looks for a speaker who has a connection to the University.
"I understand the University as a student and a teacher," Caplin said.
The subcommittee consists of students and faculty who meet twice a year. They form a list of potential candidates to submit to Casteen. Casteen has the ultimate decision in the speaker selection.
"I am pleased to see Mr. Caplin was selected," said Micah Schwartz, Student Council president and subcommittee member. "We sent a list to President Casteen and he was at the top of the list."
In addition to his academic involvement, Caplin was part of the University's boxing team and later was president of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"Boxing was our only winning sport at the University [at the time] and we won national championships," Caplin said. "This wrapped me into the University more and more."
Students and faculty said they respect Caplin's contributions to the University.
"He is a great guy," Gilliam said. "One of the handful of the most distinguished living alumni of the University."
Caplin currently is involved with the Arts and Sciences Council and the Miller Center.
"I am still really involved with the University," Caplin said. "It is a major part of my life and I have deep roots."
The graduation committee for the fourth-year trustees already announced L.D. Britt will give the Valedictory address scheduled for May 17. Graduation Committee Chair Lauren Purnell expressed her confidence in Caplin.
"Not only the fact that he is a double-Hoo, the fact that he has contributed a lot back to the University shows his love for the University is unboundedly clear," Purnell said.
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