GE CEO to receive honorary degree, speak at UConn

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The chief executive officer of General Electric Co. will receive an honorary degree and be keynote speaker at the University of Connecticut's commencement in May.

Jeffrey Immelt will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

In October, GE, which is based in Fairfield, and UConn announced a five-year, $7.5 million GE initiative that includes philanthropic support and sponsorship of UConn research.

A joint GE-UConn project at the university's Stamford campus from 2001 to 2011 gave graduate business students the opportunity to work with GE managers and business faculty.

Immelt will speak at UConn's Graduate School commencement on May 11. He will be among eight honorary degree recipients including Wally Lamb, author of "She's Come Undone," and Jerry Adler, a TV and movie actor whose credits include "The Sopranos" and "The Good Wife."