Joel M. Malina, vice president for university relations, issued the following statement April 1:

Due to a long-standing prior commitment, Hunter R. Rawlings III, who begins his service as Cornell’s interim president on April 25, will be unable to attend and preside over Cornell’s 2016 Commencement ceremonies. President Emeritus Rawlings has asked Provost Michael Kotlikoff to officiate in his place, and Provost Kotlikoff has accepted the invitation and looks forward to celebrating with the Class of 2016 and their families.