HIGH POINT — The beginning of graduation season at North Carolina's colleges and universities features former First Lady Laura Bush and the Army's vice chief of staff.

Former First Lady Laura Bush will be the commencement speaker at High Point University's graduation ceremonies on Saturday. Current First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to speak next Saturday at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro.

Fayetteville State University's 500 graduates hear Saturday from the Army's vice chief of staff, General Lloyd Austin III.

Elizabeth City State University welcomes state Public Safety Department Secretary Reuben Young. Meredith College in Raleigh hears from alumna and the former first lady of the state of New York Silda Wall Spitzer. St. Augustine's College in Raleigh invited Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile to speak.