Obama to give Barnard College commencement speech

— -- President Barack Obama is delivering the commencement address on Monday at Barnard College in New York City, a women's college that is part of Columbia University. Look for the president to focus on the role of women in public life.

Obama graduated from Columbia College—which sits across Broadway at 116 ^th Street from Barnard—in 1983 after transferring there from Occidental College as a junior in 1981.  Columbia College did not admit women until 1983.  Here is some background on the president's time as an undergraduate.

While in New York, the president will also make an appearance on "The View" and attend two fundraisers for this reelection campaign, including one hosted by singer Ricky Martin.

The commencement ceremony will be held on the South Lawn of Columbia's campus. Obama will address about 600 members of the class of 2012 and receive the school's "Medal of Distinction," its top honor.

Sorry, grads: No balloons.

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