Release date: May 12, 2008

Emory Holds Commencement May 12 for 3,600 Graduates

Zoeb Abdulla from Atlanta, Ga. took part in Emory's 163rd commencement ceremony. View video of the ceremony online. View photos of Emory University commencement ceremony. View the Emory College diploma ceremony. View photos of Oxford College commencement ceremony.

Emory University's Class of 2008 gathered before 15,000 family and friends on the campus' historic quad May 12 to celebrate their achievements and mark the beginning of a new era in their lives during Emory's 163rd commencement.

Home Depot co-founder and renowned philanthropist Bernie Marcus delivered the keynote address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

Emory President James Wagner presided at the 90-minute ceremony on the Emory quadrangle for about 3,600 graduating students and their families. Three other individuals also were recognized during commencement with honorary degrees:

• mental health advocate Mary Jane England, currently president of Regis College in Massachusetts, who received a doctor of science;

• award-winning writer Ernest Gaines, author of "A Lesson Before Dying," received a doctor of humane letters; and,

• renowned Harvard University biologist conservationist E. O. Wilson, received a doctor of science.

The kilt-clad Atlanta Pipe Band led the academic procession under the direction of Chief Marshal Ray DuVarney, professor and chair of physics, across the quad. Dressed in full Scottish Highland attire, the drum and bagpipe ensemble marched to "Emory and Old St. Andrews March," written by Emory alumnus Henry D. Frantz Jr. in honor of Emory's sister institution, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

During the central commencement ceremony, the Thomas Jefferson Award, the university's premier faculty/administrative officer award for significant service to the institution, was presented to Emory alumna Rosemary Magee, vice president and secretary of the university. The University Scholar/Teacher Award, given on behalf of the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry, was presented to Richard D. Freer, Robert Howell Hall Professor of Law. The Marion Luther Brittain Award, the most prestigious student award for service to the university, was given to Zain Ahmed, a political science and neuroscience double major.

Following the central ceremony, students reported to various locations on campus to receive diplomas from their individual schools. The diploma ceremony for Emory College (the undergraduate arts and sciences school) was held on the quadrangle.

Emory University (www.emory.edu) is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Perennially ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report, Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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