U.S. Rep. Eva Clayton, who is retiring from the House of Representatives after serving five terms, will be the featured speaker at East Carolina University’s fall commencement on Dec. 14.

   About 2,355 degree candidates will be recognized at the ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m. in Minges Coliseum. The public is invited, and no tickets are required for admission.

   Clayton, a Democrat who represents the 1st District in North Carolina, made history in November 1992 when she became the first woman and the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress from the State of North Carolina. She did not seek re-election this year.

   Chancellor William V. Muse said, "Congresswoman Clayton has fashioned a distinguished record in Washington as a tireless advocate for education, agriculture, and rural economic development. She is a champion of this region and a true friend to ECU. We are honored to have her deliver our commencement address."

   Before her election to Congress, Clayton was a member of the Warren County Board of Commissioners, serving as chairperson from 1982-1990. During her tenure, she was named "Outstanding North Carolina County Commissioner."

   In the House of Representatives, she is a member of the Agriculture and Budget committees. She serves as co-chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, and is a member of the Women's Caucus, Human Rights Caucus, and Biotechnology Caucus. She also is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and the immediate past chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

###