
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, April 27, 1993                   TAG: 9304270164
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

A DIFFERENT BILL TO SPEAK TO W&M GRADS

President Bill Clinton has turned down an offer to speak at the College of William and Mary's graduation, so the school turned to comedian Bill Cosby as a substitute.

A White House spokeswoman said Clinton could not attend the May 16 commencement. The rejection surprised college officials, who had hoped to lure the president because the school is celebrating its 300th birthday.

William and Mary spokesman William N. Walker said the White House indicated that Clinton had a prior commitment.

William and Mary got England's Prince Charles as its Charter Day speaker in February. Founded in 1693, the college is the nation's second oldest, behind Harvard University.

"We would have liked to have the president on the campus during this tercentenary year, and it is unfortunate that he will not be able to attend commencement," Walker said. "But we are very pleased that Bill Cosby has agreed."

Walker declined to say how much Cosby will be paid.

Some students were upset that Clinton will not be coming.

"The 300th anniversary is worthy of a visit from the president, seeing as he is an avid follower of Thomas Jefferson, and Jefferson spent some time at William and Mary," said senior Karen Klauss.

But some other seniors said they would rather hear from Cosby, the star of several successful television programs and now host of the game show "You Bet Your Life."

"I think Bill Cosby is an excellent choice," said Monica Gilbert. "I want someone who will send me off laughing instead of hearing what tomorrow will bring."

by CNB