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May 4, 2009
Passing the torch at 2009 ceremony

By Carol Clark

Emory’s 164th Commence-ment begins at 8 a.m. sharp, on Monday, May 11. Physicist Ray DuVarney, who has served as chief marshal for more than a decade, is retiring from Emory, but will lead in the Atlanta Pipe Band one last time, for the class of 2009.

The keynote will be delivered by Vicente Fox, president of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, and former president of Coca-Cola Mexico. Fox established Centro Fox in 2007, the first presidential library and museum in Mexico. Its activities include a “center for the advancement of democracy” modeled loosely after the work of The Carter Center.

Fox will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony, along with Nancy Cantor, chancellor and president of Syracuse University. David Satcher, director of the Satcher Health Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, will be awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science, and Robert Spano, music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, will receive an honorary Doctorate of Music.

Oxford College will stage its commencement on Saturday, May 9, at 10 a.m. on the College Green. The keynote speaker will be James Laney, president of Emory from 1977–1993 and former dean of Candler School of Theology. Laney served as U.S. ambassador to South Korea after leaving Emory.

DuVarney, associate professor of physics, is known for mixing precision and a spirit of spontaneity into the elaborate pageantry of the Emory Commencement.

“Ray has always brought a real sense of enthusiasm and commitment to making it a special day for all participants,” says Rosemary Magee, vice president and secretary of the University.

After the ceremony, DuVarney will pass the mantle of chief marshal — and his motto, “Never let them see you sweat” — to Larry Taulbee, associate professor of political science.

Taulbee said he is a bit daunted, but proud, to follow in DuVarney’s footsteps. “He has done a superb job. I’ve agreed to take on the role because I believe the symbols, regalia and tradition are important to uphold,” Taulbee says.

The chief marshal is largely a ceremonial role which, in medieval times, provided protection for the head of a university. The chief marshal participates in formal University functions such as Commencement, convocation and baccalaureate.

For more details about this year’s Commencement ceremonies at Emory and Oxford, including individual school ceremonies, speakers, dates, locations and inclement weather plans, visit www.emory.edu/commencement.