Release date: June 10, 2005

Emory's 160th Commencement Honors Many

Emory Celebrates 3,400+ Graduates During 160th Commencement

Nearly 14,000 people gathered in Emory University's quadrangle May 16 to celebrate more than 3,400 members of the class of 2005 during the university's 160th commencement ceremony. The commencement ceremony can be viewed online at: www.emory.edu/COMMENCEMENT/.

Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw delivered the keynote address, and urged the new graduates to reach for greatness, but also seek out mutual understanding in a torn world.

"You are the class of 9/11. You have the experience of entering college just as this country was beginning a shooting war. Your destination remains uncertain, but this is a common journey and it requires a common effort," Brokaw said in his speech, adding later that "It will do us little good to save the world if we limit our vision . . . Patriotism means to love your country, but always believe that it should be improved."

Brokaw strongly spoke out on the vital need to foster better stewardship of the environment, and offered some bits of wisdom: "In the pursuit of your passions, always be young. In your relationships with others, always be a grown-up."

Emory President James Wagner presided at the 90-minute ceremony where Brokaw also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. Honorary degrees were conferred upon four individuals in addition to Brokaw in recognition of outstanding contributions to their respective areas. They are: Atlanta developer Tom Cousins, nursing scholar Sue Hegyvary, former Emory Law School Dean Ben F. Johnson Jr., and Oxford University administrator Robin Butler. Faculty, staff and students also were recognized for outstanding contributions to the Emory community and world at large.

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NFL MVP Peyton Manning to Speak May 12 for Class Day

NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will share lessons he has learned on and off the field with Emory University seniors during the school's third annual Class Day at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12 in Glenn Memorial Auditorium, 1652 N.Decatur Road, Emory.

"We are excited and happy to bring Peyton Manning to campus. His presence will help elevate Class Day and cement it in the traditions of Emory," says Corey Neal, an Emory senior who headed the student committee to select the speaker.

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Profile of Emory University Graduates

On Monday, May 16, Emory University graduated approximately 3,423 students from the academic year 2004-05. Of those students, 39 received simultaneous degrees. An approximate total of 3,462 degrees were awarded: 1,763 undergraduate degrees; 1,217 graduate degrees and 471 professional degrees.

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Emory Honorary Degree Recipients Represent Lifetimes of Accomplishment

Five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields will be awarded honorary degrees during Emory University's 160th commencement Monday, May 16. They are: former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw, who also will serve as keynote speaker; Oxford University administrator Robin Butler; Atlanta developer Tom Cousins; nursing scholar Sue Hegyvary; and former Emory Law School Dean Ben F. Johnson Jr. "The awarding of these honorary degrees is not only tribute to five extraordinary individuals, but also an example of the breadth of Emory's engagement in the world as we celebrate the class of 2005," says Emory University President James Wagner.

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Leadership and Service Net $20,000 Award for Emory Graduate

Service and leadership have defined the college career of Emory University senior and past student government president Jimin Kim. Her dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed by the university, which named Kim the 2005 McMullan Award recipient - $20,000, no strings attached. She received the award during the Emory College diploma ceremony May 16.

The Lucius Lamar McMullan Award, endowed by Emory alumnus William L. Matheson in honor of his uncle, is given to a graduating senior who exhibits "outstanding citizenship, exceptional leadership and potential for service to his or her community, the nation and the world." The donor's intention is to allow a student to do something he or she wouldn't otherwise be able to do.

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Emory Law Student's Dedication to Service Nets University's Highest Honor

For most students, just making it through law school is enough of an accomplishment, but for Emory University School of Law graduate Bharath Parthasarathy his time at Emory also was a fresh opportunity for service. While balancing the demands of his studies, he worked on numerous initiatives across the university to make a difference in his community.

Whether it was through pro bono legal work, two terms as a Student Government Association representative, or in his weekly student newspaper column that regularly pushed students to become more involved in advocating for change, Parthasarathy tirelessly worked the past three years to make a difference. Described as a "model of the engaged student-scholar," his achievements earned him the university's highest student honor, the Marion Luther Brittain Award, given to a member of the graduating class in recognition of his or her service to the university. Parthasarathy received the award during commencement exercises May 16.

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Emory University Faculty Members Receive Awards for Outstanding Teaching, Research, Leadership

Ten Emory University faculty members were honored with teaching, research and mentoring awards presented at the university's commencement ceremony May 16.

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Tom Brokaw to Speak at Emory Commencement May 16

Renowned journalist and author Tom Brokaw will deliver the keynote address at Emory University's 160th commencement ceremony Monday, May 16, and will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree. Four other individuals also will be recognized during commencement with honorary degrees: Atlanta developer Tom Cousins, nursing scholar Sue Hegyvary, former Emory Law School dean Ben F. Johnson Jr.; and Oxford University administrator Robin Butler.

"The awarding of these honorary degrees is not only tribute to five extraordinary individuals, but also an example of the breadth of Emory's engagement in the world as we celebrate the class of 2005," says Emory University President James Wagner.

For full story, click here.

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