June 5, 2003
UW plans commencement ceremonies for Seattle, Tacoma, Bothell
Lee L. Huntsman, the UW’s interim president, will officiate at Commencement ceremonies on Saturday June 14 in Seattle, as well as at those of the UW Tacoma on Friday, June 13 and the UW Bothell on Sunday, June 15.
The June 14 ceremonies at Husky Stadium start at 2 p.m. Graduates begin to line up at noon. The academic procession begins at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony takes two and a half hours and could be shortened in the event of inclement weather.
About 4,200 graduates are expected to attend, with an audience of about 38,000 family members and guests. Degrees are awarded to those who have completed academic requirements sometime during the 2002–2003 academic year. The UW’s Class of 2003 totals 11,534, in a preliminary count.
The Commencement speaker is Sherman Alexie, award-winning writer and filmmaker.
The Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award, the highest honor bestowed by the UW to an alumnus or alumna, will be presented at the Seattle ceremonies to William Bolcom, one of America’s most distinguished composers.
Other recipients of special honors to be acknowledged at the Seattle ceremony include: the Outstanding Public Service Award, Distinguished Teaching Awards, Excellence in Teaching Awards and the President’s Medal — presented to the graduating senior with the most distinguished academic record. The winners of all these awards were featured in a special supplement to the May 29 University Week.
Members of the Board of Regents, deans and other representatives of the University’s 17 colleges and schools will participate in the Seattle ceremony. University officials also will be present at the Tacoma and Bothell ceremonies.
Many of the colleges and schools also have separate graduation programs and investiture ceremonies.
UW, Tacoma’s ceremonies are at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13 in the Tacoma Dome. Commencement speaker is Sarah Weddington, an influential Texas attorney, speaker and author best known for arguing the landmark abortion-rights case Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971. Vicky L. Carwein, chancellor and dean of the UW, Tacoma, will present baccalaureate degrees; Marsha L. Landolt, dean of the Graduate School, will present graduate degrees. The ceremony also will spotlight a recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for academic achievement. Ruth Rea, assistant professor of nursing, will be recognized as the recipient of the UW, Tacoma’s Distinguished Teaching Award. UW Tacoma will award 736 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
UW, Bothell will hold ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 15 in the Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the UW campus in Seattle. The Commencement speaker is former astronaut George D. Nelson, professor of physics and director of Science Mathematics, and Technology Education at Western Washington University. Warren W. Buck, chancellor and dean of UW Bothell, will present the graduates. Dean’s Medals will be awarded to outstanding students in the Class of 2003. The Worthington Distinguished Professor Award will be given to three faculty members: Bruce Burgett, associate professor of interdisciplinary arts and sciences; James Burton, assistant professor of business administration; and Alan Wood, professor of interdisciplinary arts and sciences. Suzanne Sikma, assistant professor of nursing, will be recognized as recipient of the UW, Bothell’s Distinguished Teaching Award. UW Bothell will award bachelor’s and master’s degrees to 654 students.
To get a breakdown of the number of graduates in different fields and at different levels, click here. More detailed information about commencement can be found at http://depts.washington.edu/commence/
