Northern Arizona University announced Thursday that four people will receive honorary doctorates during spring commencement. One of the four is Bill Gates, who will deliver the keynote speech during the Saturday, May 13th 3 p.m. ceremony in the Skydome. NAU President Jose Luis Cruz Rivera says “it is our privilege to recognize Bill Gates for his pioneering work in science and technology and his longstanding thought leadership and philanthropic commitment to creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, life and live up to their full potential.” Gates founded Microsoft in 1975 with his friend Paul Allen. Since 2008, he runs the “Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,” which focuses on working to expand opportunities to save and improve lives of people around the world. Other honorees include: Arturo Massol-Deya, executive director of Casa Pueblo, Ty White, 2023 Arizona Education Foundation Teacher of the Year and David Franke, President of the Northern Arizona University Foundation Board.