MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
Division of University Relations
403 Olds Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1047
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristin Anderson
University Relations
(517) 355-2281
4/10/00
LEADERS IN FINANCE, SCIENCE TO SPEAK AT MSU SPRING COMMENCEMENT
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Two distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to national and international financial and scientific communities will speak at Michigan State University's spring commencement ceremonies Friday, May 5.
The undergraduate convocation ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. The advanced degree will be held at 7 p.m., also at the Breslin Center.
James D. Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank Group, will address the undergraduate degree candidates at the undergraduate convocation, and receive an honorary doctor of humanities. The World Bank Group's mission includes fighting poverty and helping people to help themselves and their environment by providing resources, sharing knowledge and forging partnerships in the public and private sectors.
"Given MSU's historic commitment to and work in international development, we are honored to have Mr. Wolfensohn address our students. His presence underscores MSU's commitment to international education and its importance for our undergraduates," said MSU President Peter McPherson. "His objectives and approach are in the best tradition of a land-grant institution."
Rita R. Colwell, a greatly-respected scientist, an educator and director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), will speak to the advanced degree candidates and receive an honorary doctor of science at the evening ceremony. The NSF is an independent federal government agency that provides support for research and education in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and technology.
"Almost one fifth of our research funding comes from the NSF, and our ties with the agency are strong," said McPherson. "Dr. Colwell is guiding the agency to strengthen the core science and engineering areas and move forward in interdisciplinary areas, a direction that fits very well with MSU."
Biographies of the speakers follow:
JAMES D. WOLFENSOHN
James D. Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank Group since June 1995, established his career as an international investment banker with a parallel involvement in development issues and the global environment.
Since becoming president, he has traveled to more than 100 countries to gain first-hand experience about the challenges facing the World Bank and its 181 member countries. He has met with government clients as well as representatives of business, labor, media, religious and women's groups, students and teachers.
In the process, he has taken the initiative in forming new strategic partnerships between the World Bank and the governments it serves, the private sector, civil society, regional development banks and the United Nations.
Prior to joining the World Bank, he was an international investment banker. His previous position was as president and chief executive officer of the James D. Wolfensohn Inc. investment firm, established in 1981 to advise major U.S. and international corporations.
In 1970 he became involved in New York's Carnegie Hall, first as a board member and as chairman of the board from 1980 to 1991, during which time the restoration of the landmark New York building was completed. In 1990 he became chairman of the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He is president emeritus of both boards.
Wolfensohn has been president of the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies and director of the Business Council for Sustainable Development. He was awarded an honorary knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the arts and has been decorated by the governments of Australia, France, Germany, Morocco and Norway.
A naturalized U.S. citizen, Wolfensohn was born in Australia. He holds his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Sydney and a master of business administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business. Before attending Harvard, he was a lawyer in the Australian firm of Allen Allen and Hemsley.
# # #
RITA R. COLWELL
Rita R. Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) since August 1998, has held numerous challenging faculty and administrative positions in the U.S. and international scientific communities.
The NSF is an independent agency of the federal government that provides support for research and education in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
Prior to becoming NSF director she was president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, a position she had held since 1991. She was named professor of microbiology at the University of Maryland in 1972. While there she also served as director of the Sea Grant College and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Maryland System.
A member of the National Science Board from 1984 to 1990, she has held numerous advisory positions in the U.S. government and private foundations, as well as in the international community. A nationally respected scientist and educator, she has authored or co-authored 16 books and more than 500 scientific publications. She produced the award-winning film "Invisible Seas" and has served on editorial boards for a variety of journals.
She began her career at Purdue University and in 1958 joined the University of Washington, where she was a predoctoral associate and assistant research professor. She served as guest scientist at the National Research Council of Canada after earning her doctorate. From 1963 to 1972, she was a member of the biology faculty at Georgetown University.
Born in Beverly, Mass., Colwell holds a bachelor of science degree in bacteriology and master of science degree in genetics from Purdue University and a doctorate in marine microbiology from the University of Washington.
# # #
RSS