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Release date: 16-Mar-05 NFL MVP Peyton Manning to Speak May 12 for Class Day
"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. "Class Day began three years ago as an event to highlight the experiences, contributions and reflections of the graduating class, so we looked for a speaker whom students know and can get excited about, but more importantly, we looked for someone who can speak about life," Neal says. "Manning is one of the greatest athletes of our day, but it is his focus on education and charity, his decision to finish college, and his ability to speak about the responsibilities that go along with success that distinguish him. His character, selflessness and experience should generate meaningful words for the Class of 2005." As the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback, Manning holds numerous NFL and club records. In 2004, Manning set NFL records for single-season touchdown passes and passer rating, and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for a second year by The Associated Press. He is the third player to win this award in consecutive years. Manning, who led the Colts to the AFC championship game in 2003, is the only player in NFL history to throw for 4,000 or more yards in six consecutive seasons. A leader off the field as well, Manning established the PeyBack Foundation to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for children at risk. The PeyBack Foundation makes donations to various organizations throughout the year, including tens of thousands of dollars in educational scholarships and in direct assistance grants to children and families in need. Manning also is personally involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates helping abused and neglected children, and is spokesman for the National Football Foundation's "Play It Smart" educational program in high schools across the country. He is the youngest person and first professional athlete to be named to the NCAA Foundation Board of Directors. Manning is the son of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning and the older brother of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Peyton played for the University of Tennessee, and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft. He and his father co-wrote the book "Manning: A Father, His Sons and a Football Legacy." Class Day at Emory is an event students and administrators developed together to give undergraduates their own tradition and the opportunity to hear from a well-known speaker of their choice. The university's central commencement ceremonies will be Monday, May 16 and will feature a keynote address by former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw. The winners of the Boisfeuillet Jones Medals, given in honor of one of Emory's most distinguished graduates, also will be announced during Class Day ceremonies. Recipients are selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance and potential to effect positive change in their chosen profession and society at large. The second Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award will be given on behalf of the senior class to an Emory administrator or staff member. Class Day is the first of three events for seniors held on the Thursday before commencement. At the class of 2005 reception from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, seniors will offer the traditional Coca-Cola toast. Following the reception, graduating seniors will take part in a ceremonial candlelight walk across the Houston Mill Road pedestrian bridge to Emory's Miller-Ward Alumni House for dessert and entertainment. ### Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. For nearly two decades Emory has been named one of the country's top 25 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. Subscribe to News@Emory RSS feeds for automatic updates of the latest news at Emory. |
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