Bob Casey cancels commencement speech at SVC:

Sen. Casey pulls out of commencement speech at St. Vincent graduation

Sen. Robert Casey will not be the commencement speaker at the May 9 graduation ceremonies at St. Vincent College, triggering a search by administrators for a replacement.

Casey gave no indication to President H. James Towey why he decided not to speak to the graduates, said college spokesman Don Orlando. Towey announced in December that Casey would be the principal speaker at the school's 163rd commencement.

"The president was notified (Casey) is unable to speak. No reason. I heard no reason," Orlando said. "Jim put out a notice that Casey is unable to speak, and we would be seeking a new speaker."

Orlando said the school near Latrobe had not planned to make a public announcement about the change. Towey notified the campus community via e-mail Monday afternoon. Towey called Casey's decision "unfortunate news."

"I am sorry that the senator changed his plans," Towey wrote.

In an e-mail, Larry Smar, a spokesman for Casey would not explain the reason for Casey's decision.

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