CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts (AP) - Harvard University says retired Supreme Court Justice Hon. David Souter will be the principal speaker at its spring commencement ceremony.

The school announced Monday that Souter is scheduled to return to his alma mater May 27 for the 359th commencement. It will be about 44 years after Souter received his law degree from Harvard Law School.

The 70-year-old Souter retired last year after nearly two decades on the nation's highest court. Since then, he has pushed to help New Hampshire promote civics education in the public schools.

Harvard President Drew Faust says Souter's "dedication, humility and commitment to learning with which he has pursued his calling should be an inspiration" to graduates considering a career in public service.

Souter was born in Massachusetts and moved to New Hampshire at age 11.