Comedian Bill Cosby is scheduled to deliver the keynote address Sunday at Carnegie Mellon University's 110th commencement.

The main ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in Gesling Stadium on the Carnegie Mellon campus, university officials said.

Carnegie Mellon spokeswoman Teresa Thomas said a crowd of at least 10,000 graduates, friends and families is expected.

More than 2,100 undergraduate and graduate degrees will be given.

A conversation between Mr. Cosby and Jared L. Cohon, university president, led to Mr. Cosby's speaking at commencement, said Ms. Thomas.

"The interest was mutual," she said, adding she didn't know if the two were friends.

Mr. Cosby will be speaking for free, in accordance with the university's policy of not paying commencement speakers.

Mr. Cosby, a native of Philadelphia, and his wife, Camille, have doctorates in education and have been longtime supporters of education.

He will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the university, as will five others.

Helen S. Faison, director of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, will receive a doctor of humane letters.

Wilton A. Hawkins will receive a doctor of science and technology. He helped develop and patent many products and processes for the aerospace, chemical, electronics and semiconductor industries.

Paolo Lugari, a civil and environmental engineer, will receive a doctor of science and technology. He founded the Gaviotas community in Colombia as a model village for social, economic and environmental stability.

Gerald C. Meyers, a former executive with American Motors, the Ford Motor Co. and the Chrysler Corp., will receive a doctor of business practice. He is the author of "When It Hits The Fan: Managing The Nine Crises of Business."

Earl Wild, a former CMU faculty member, will receive a doctor of fine arts. At age 14 he was the resident pianist with the Pittsburgh Symphony. In 2005, he performed at venues around the world to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Catherine Scudera will be the student speaker. She is a Science and Humanities Scholar and will receive a bachelor's degree in psychology and creative writing with a minor in religious studies.