SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The University of Notre Dame will honor Vice President Joe Biden and former Speaker of the House John Boehner by giving them its top award, the Laetare Medal, during commencement ceremonies.

The university says it is recognizing the Democrat and Republican for their leadership, civility and dedication to the nation.

The Rev. John Jenkins, the university president, says with public confidence in government at historic lows, it is “a good time to remind ourselves what lives dedicated to genuine public service in politics look like.”

The medal established in 1883 has been awarded annually to a Catholic “whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity.” Past winners have included President John Kennedy and Speaker Tip O’Neill.