One day after MSU officials announced National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice as this semester's commencement speaker, Democratic officials say her appearance will benefit the university.

"We should always have a welcome mat for whoever comes to speak, whether we agree or don't agree," said Trustee Dorothy Gonzales, a Democrat. "Michigan State is a very enlightened university that wants to bring in all kinds of perspectives and different points of views and other issues politically."

Gonzales said she doesn't necessarily agree with Rice on most issues, but said the adviser is an important American figure.

"Her being a woman of color in that position, it says a lot for her being there," she said. "We ought to look at this as a positive endeavor."

Commencement speeches are used to inspire graduating students, Gonzales said, regardless of partisan differences.

"People get so focused at times on the whole title of being Republican or a Democrat instead of looking at the individual as a whole," she said.

Randy Neice, president of MSU College Democrats, said he would like to see Rice speak, despite the fact that he won't be graduating until next year.

"I don't really like Condoleezza Rice, but it's still an honor to have someone like her come to your commencement," he said. "She definitely has the capability to be boring, but she also has the capability to be pretty interesting."

Neice said there most likely will be protesters outside of the ceremony, but "I would expect supporters out there, too."

University spokesman Terry Denbow said university officials constantly talk with the students to bring in speakers that they will enjoy.

"In my early years here, my chief complaint from students was that we didn't have any big names," he said. "They want somebody who is a major player, and it is clear that most students want something of substance."

Tim Phelps, first-vice chairman of the MSU College Republicans, said he doesn't understand why there would be any controversy about Rice's appearance.

"Politics aside, she's going to have a lot of important things to say," he said. "I'm proud that she's coming here, at East Lansing."

And even people who disagree with her still should attend the assembly to hear her speak, Phelps said.

"There's more to life than politics, and I think everyone needs to remember that," he said. "Gosh, I wish I was graduating."