Newswise — John Edwards, the former North Carolina senator who was the vice presidential candidate on the 2004 Democratic ticket, will be the featured speaker at the University of Maine's 204th Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 13.
UMaine President Robert A. Kennedy will preside over the event, at which approximately 1,750 people will receive UMaine degrees.
Edwards made a campaign appearance at UMaine in September 2004. He currently serves as director of the Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At that university, Edwards is designated as a University Professor and he holds an Alumni Distinguished Professorship.
"We look forward to welcoming Sen. Edwards back to the University of Maine," says Kennedy. "His experience in national politics, combined with his current work at UNC's Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity give Sen. Edwards unique perspectives on issues that are important to members of our community. Commencement is always a memorable event, and having such an accomplished speaker will make this year's all the more noteworthy."
UMaine has adopted a new commencement schedule, which calls for two separate ceremonies to be held inside Harold Alfond Sports Arena. During the 10:30 a.m. ceremony, degrees will be awarded to graduates from the College of Business, Public Policy and Health; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and the Division of Lifelong Learning. An afternoon ceremony, to begin at 2:30, will be for graduates from the College of Education and Human Development; the College of Engineering (including the School of Engineering Technology); and the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry and Agriculture. Graduate students will attend the same ceremony as undergraduates from the same college.
Edwards will speak at both ceremonies.
For the past ten years, the Harold Alfond Sports Stadium has been the primary commencement venue, allowing for a single outdoor ceremony. Inclement weather has forced five of those ceremonies inside to Alfond Arena, causing officials to review procedures during this academic year. To simplify the planning process, ensure graduate and spectator comfort, and to save money, a proposal to schedule two indoor ceremonies from the outset has been adopted as has been the custom at UMaine for several years, the names of students participating in commencement will be announced as they take the stage to receive their diplomas. Kennedy and UMaine Provost John Mahon will continue the tradition of shaking hands with the graduating students receiving degrees.
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