What:
Fairfield University's 59th Commencement
When:
Sunday, May 17, 2009
For the first time in the University's history, there will be two separate commencement ceremonies, one for undergraduates and the other for graduate students.
Undergraduate Ceremony:
9:30 a.m.
Graduate Student Ceremony:
3 p.m.
Where:
Bellarmine Lawn, in back of Bellarmine Hall at Fairfield University.
*In case of rain, the ceremonies will be held in Alumni Hall, on the Fairfield campus.
Commencement Speakers:
Undergraduate Ceremony:
Fairfield alumnus Dr. Peter Pronovost, '87, recipient of a MacArthur Foundation "genius grant" who was one of
Time Magazine
's "most influential people of 2008." A professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, he developed intervention techniques in critical care that are saving countless lives around the world.
Graduate Student Ceremony:
Mathy Mezey, EdD, RN, FAAN, professor and director of The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, part of the New York University College of Nursing, whose career has been dedicated to improving healthcare for older adults.
Honorary Degree Recipients:
Monsignor Ralph W. Beiting, a Roman Catholic priest and founder of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), will be presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree. The Kentucky-based CAP, one of the largest non-profit organizations in the United States, is committed to serving the poor through a variety of services.
Bryan A. Stevenson, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama, will be presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree. A private, nonprofit organization, the Equal Justice Initiative provides legal representation to the poor, the wrongly convicted, prisoners, and others whose trials are marked by racial bias or prosecutorial misconduct.
Among The Graduates: Among the many outstanding graduates is a name you have heard of: John Tartaglio is the scholar-athlete from Milford who lost both legs to an aggressive bacterial infection his senior year at Joseph A. Foran High School. John has successfully completed pre-med studies at Fairfield and will be taking his MCATS this month. He has competed in 5K runs and is in training for the NYC Marathon which takes place Nov. 1. He is determined to finish the race.
Posted On: 05-08-2009 10:05 AM
Volume: 41 Number: 332