Jon Huntsman Jr. to give University of Utah commencement address

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The University of Utah says former Gov. Jon Huntsman will give the school's commencement address in May.

Huntsman resigned in August to become the U.S. Ambassador to China.

The commencement address will be delivered May 7 at the Jon Huntsman Center, named after his father.

Huntsman, a Republican, was twice elected to the governor's office and maintained approval ratings above 80 percent.

During his tenure, he worked to overhaul Utah's liquor laws, revamped the tax code and fought to keep foreign nuclear waste out of the state. He grabbed national attention for endorsing civil unions for same-sex couples.

University President Michael Young says he's thrilled to have Huntsman share his unique perspective on world affairs with graduates.