Media Contacts: Kevin Potter or Tim Lucas, News Services, 919/515-3470 or newstips@ncsu.edu

Dec. 13, 2000

NC State University to Hold Commencement Ceremonies Dec. 20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Carolina State University will confer more than 2,400 degrees on graduating students during its annual December Commencement exercises, beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena.

Dr. Theodore M. Hesburgh, who served for 35 years as president of the University of Norte Dame, will deliver the commencement address. Widely regarded as one of Notre Dame's most visionary and innovative leaders, Hesburgh has served on more than 50 government commissions and two dozen boards of trustees, with involvement in such organizations as the National Science Foundation, the United Negro College Fund, and the American Council on Education.

During the commencement ceremonies, NC State Chancellor Marye Anne Fox will confer to December graduates 2,415 degrees: 51 associates, 1,678 bachelor's, 483 master's, and 203 doctoral degrees. Fourteen valedictorians will be recognized for having earned perfect 4.0 grade-point averages during their academic careers at NC State.

The chancellor also will confer an honorary doctor of letters degree on Hesburgh and on Ray C. Anderson, chief executive officer of Interface, Inc., and co-chairman of the President's Council on Sustainable Development; Dr. F. Albert Cotton, W.T. Doherty-Welch Foundation Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Texas A&M University; Dr. Peter C. Doherty, Nobel laureate and chairman of the department of immunology at St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.; Hipolito Mejia, president of the Dominican Republic; and Vernon Owens, North Carolina master potter and owner of Jugtown Pottery.

NC State officials do not expect major traffic congestion, but advise attendees to be in their seats by 8:15 a.m. NC State’s British Brass Band will begin playing at 8:30 a.m. and graduates will march onto the arena floor at 9 a.m.

The arena is accessible from the Edwards Mill Road exit off the Wade Avenue Extension, and from Trinity Road. Ample free parking is available around the arena. More information about commencement is available online at www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/reg_records/gradscdf.htm.

-- potter -- Note to editors: Media seating will be provided near the front of the stage on the left-hand side. NC State News Services staff members will be available to assist reporters.

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