The private Quaker school in suburban Philadelphia says alumnus Robert Zoellick withdrew Friday after criticism from some students over his support for the Iraq war and his role in President George Bush's administration.
Swarthmore President Rebecca Chopp sent an email announcing to students and faculty announcing the withdrawal. In it, Zoellick says he doesn't want to disrupt "what should be a special day for the graduates, their families and friends."
Zoellick is a senior fellow at Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. He served as president of the World Bank from 2007 to 2012.
Commencement is scheduled for June 2. There was no immediate word on a new commencement speaker.
