Commencement week begins with a variety of celebrations and ceremonies designed to warmly send Washington University in St. Louis graduates out into the world.
First up: The Chancellor’s Dinner to Honor Graduating Seniors at 6 p.m. Monday, May 17. More than 1,200 are expected at America’s Center ballroom as Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and the WUSTL community celebrates the accomplishments of the class and acknowledges its positive impact.
Beginning Wednesday, May 19, more than a dozen distinguished individuals will speak at Commencement-related events for graduates and their friends and families.
The weeklong celebration culminates at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 21, with the 149th Commencement ceremony in Brookings Quadrangle in which more than 2,700 candidates will receive degrees. Steven Chu, a Nobel laureate, U.S. Secretary of Energy and a strong advocate for alternative energy sources, will deliver the Commencement address.
Other speakers and Commencement events this week are:
Benjamin Carson, MD, director of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, professor of neurosurgery, of oncology, of plastic surgery and of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, for the School of Medicine at 3 p.m. May 21 at the Ferrara Theatre at America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza.
William Clark, PhD, program director for the Program in Audiology and Communication Sciences, at 1 p.m. May 21 at the Central Institute for the Deaf, 825 S. Taylor Ave.
Robert W. Frick, (EN ’60, MBA ’62), director of several corporations in the biotechnology, software and film industries, for the Olin Business School Graduate Diploma and Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. May 21 in the Athletic Complex.
Avram Glazer, (BSBA ’82), co-chair of the English soccer club Manchester United, for the Olin Business School Undergraduate Diploma and Awards Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. May 21 in the Athletic Complex.
Edward S. Macias, PhD, provost, executive vice chancellor and the Barbara and David Thomas Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences, for the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at the Hooding and Recognition Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. May 21 in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall, 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. in University City.
Igor Marjanovic, assistant professor of architecture, for the College of Architecture/Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design Diploma Ceremony, immediately following the main Commencement ceremony in the Brookings Drive Mall. Student speaker is Daniel Jacobs, bachelor’s candidate in architecture.
Jane Quinn, assistant executive director for community schools with the Children’s Aid Society, for the Brown School Diploma Ceremony immediately following the main Commencement ceremony, in Graham Chapel.
Andrew C. Sobel, PhD, associate professor of political science in Arts & Sciences, for the University College Recognition Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. May 19 at May Auditorium in Simon Hall. Student speaker is Charles E. Valier, Master of Liberal Arts candidate.
Ginny Stoffel, PhD, American Occupational Therapy Association vice president, associate professor and chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for the Program in Occupational Therapy at 1 p.m. May 21 in Graham Chapel.
Salvatore P. Sutera, PhD, professor of biomedical engineering and interim dean, for the School of Engineering & Applied Science Graduate Recognition Ceremony at 2 p.m. May 21 in Edison Theatre.
Strobe Talbott, president of the Brookings Institution, for the Law School Diploma Ceremony immediately following the main Commencement ceremony, at Mudd Field.
Gary S. Wihl, PhD, dean of the faculty of Arts & Sciences and the Hortense and Tobias Lewin Distinguished Professor in the Humanities, for the College of Arts & Sciences Recognition Ceremony at 10 a.m. May 20 in the Field House in the Athletic Complex. Student speaker is Jessica Mae Cooper, bachelor’s candidate in anthropology in Arts & Sciences.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton for the School of Engineering & Applied Science Undergraduate Recognition Ceremony at 2:30 p.m. May 20 in the Field House in the Athletic Complex.
Cynthia Zadai, DPT, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, for the Program in Physical Therapy at 1:30 p.m. May 21 at Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd.