Release date: May 14, 2007
Contact: Beverly Cox Clark at 404-712-8780 or beverly.clark@emory.edu

Emory Holds Commencement for 3,600+ Graduates

View the 2007 all-schools ceremony on the Quadrangle (requires RealPlayer).

Emory University's Class of 2007 gathered before 14,000 family and friends on the campus' historic quad May 14 to celebrate their achievements and mark the beginning of a new era in their lives during Emory's 162nd commencement.

Internationally renowned physician, anthropologist and global health advocate Paul Farmer delivered the keynote address. Three other individuals also were recognized during commencement with honorary degrees: environmental sustainability advocate Ray Anderson, founder and chairman of Interface Inc., who received a doctor of science; Beverly Benson Long, past president of the World Federation for Mental Health, who received a doctor of science; and the late Benny Andrews, a renowned African-American artist, teacher and activist, who was posthumously awarded a doctor of humane letters degree.

Emory President James Wagner led the 90-minute ceremony, which began with an academic procession under the direction of Chief Marshal Ray DuVarney, professor of physics, across the university’s historic quadrangle by the kilt-clad Atlanta Pipe Band.

Director of forensics Melissa Maxcy Wade, an educational studies faculty member and founder of the Urban Debate League (UDL), received the Thomas Jefferson Award, which is presented to a faculty member or administrative officer in recognition of significant service to the university through personal activities, influence and leadership. Peter J. Brown, professor of anthropology and director of Emory's Center for Health, Culture and Society (CHCS), received the University Scholar/Teacher Award. The recipient is chosen by Emory faculty on behalf of the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

The Marion Luther Brittain Award, the most prestigious student award for service to the university, was awarded to Emory School of Medicine M.D. candidate Arun Mohan, who also received an M.B.A. from Emory's Goizueta Business School last year. The McMullan Award, which includes $20,000, was awarded during the diploma ceremony for Emory College (the undergraduate arts and sciences school) to senior Robbie Brown, a journalism and history major from Atlanta. Brown donated his award to fellow senior Elizabeth Sholtys, who founded the Ashraya Initiative for Children in Pune, India.

Videos of the all-schools ceremony and Emory College diploma ceremony are available.

Related Information

VIDEO: A Lesson in Giving
Robbie Brown and Elizabeth Sholtys are interviewed. (May 14, 2007)

Emory University is one of the nation's leading private research universities and a member of the Association of American Universities. Known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities, Emory is ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, the state's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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