Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will be the keynote speaker at Hawaii Pacific University’s graduation ceremonies on Dec. 18.

She’ll also be presented with the university’s Fellow of the Pacific award, an recognition given to outstanding community leaders for their contributions to Hawaii, the Pacific Rim, and the university.

The ceremony starts at 5 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Arena.

Gabbard, 32, a 2009 HPU graduate with a degree in international business, was elected to Congress in 2012.

She was named a vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, and more recently recognized at Harvard as one of two 2013 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award winners.

The Kennedy award honors Americans under 40 who are changing their communities and the country with their commitment to public service.

The university said it plans to have Gabbard’s address carried live by streaming video.