Media Advisory: Spring Commencement Excercises at The University of Alabama

Media Advisory: Spring Commencement Excercises at The University of Alabama Saturday, May 13, 2000
Morning Ceremony: 9 am
Afternoon Ceremony: 1:30 pm
Law School Ceremony: 5:30 pm

SATELLITE NEWSFEED

There will be a post-commencement feed on Saturday, May 13 on KU band SBS 6, Transponder 4 at 4:30-4-4:45 p.m. (Central Daylight Time). This feed will include b-roll of Thomas’ mother receiving his degree from University of Alabama President Andrew Sorensen. If you have problems with the feed, call our digital pager, 205/507-5752.

UNIVERSITY-WIDE CEREMONIES

9 a.m. Ceremony –Bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialists, Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees will be awarded in the following schools and colleges: The Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration, Communication, Education, and Nursing.

1:30 p.m. Ceremony — Bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees will be awarded in the following schools and colleges: Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Human Environmental Sciences, and Social Work

Speaker ‚ Winston Groom, author of the best-selling novel, “Forrest Gump,” will speak at both ceremonies and also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Groom’s other books include the acclaimed Vietnam War novel “Better Times Than These,” the prize winning “As Summers Die,” the Civil War history “Shrouds of Glory,” the Pulitzer Prize nominee “Conversations with the Enemy,” and, most recently, “Such a Pretty, Pretty Girl.” A 1965 UA graduate, Groom is currently working on “The Crimson Tide: An Illustrated History of Football at The University of Alabama,” due out this fall by The University of Alabama Press.

SCHOOL OF LAW CEREMONY

Speaker — U.S. Representative Robert E. “Bud” Cramer. A Huntsville native and a 1972 graduate of the UA School of Law, Cramer has been the Representative for Alabama’s 5th District since 1991. His accomplishments include his work in the Boeing Company’s decision to build a $450 million rocket plant in Decatur. Prior to Congress, Cramer served 10 years as Madison County District Attorney.

NOTEWORTHY/INSPIRING GRADUATES

For more information on these graduates or to set up interviews, contact Suzanne Dowling in UA’s Media Relations Office at 205/348-8324 or sdowling@ur.ua.edu

DERRICK THOMAS’ Family Members to Accept His Posthumous Degree

Before his tragic death in February, NFL linebacker Derrick Thomas had been working toward a goal he had since 1985 ‚ his college degree. During spring commencement, UA will award Thomas his bachelor’s degree posthumously. Accepting his degree (criminal justice, social welfare) will be his mother, Edith Morgan, and grandmother, Annie Adams. Also attending will be representatives from the National Football League and Thomas’ team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Thomas died Feb. 8 of complications resulting from a Jan. 23 automobile accident that had left him paralyzed from the chest down.

NOTE: A media availability is scheduled for Saturday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at the Paul W. Bryant Museum on the UA campus. The Bryant Museum has a new exhibit featuring Thomas memorabilia, including his UA and Kansas City Chiefs’ jerseys, game balls and a NFL-produced video on Thomas’ career.

Scheduled to attend are some of Thomas’ family members, including his mother, Edith Morgan, and his grandmother, Annie Adams; from the Kansas City Chiefs — Carl Peterson, president and general manager, Lamont Winston, assistant director of player programs, Dave Adolf, assistant football coach, and Kristen Nix, player development; from the National Football League–Guy Troupe, director of player programs, and John Harris, National Consortium for Academics and Sports; and from The University of Alabama–Mike DuBose, head football coach, Ken Gaddy, director, Paul W. Bryant Museum, and Kevin Almond, associate athletics director, support services.

NOTE: The Bryant Museum event is NOT open to the general public. Media must confirm attendance in advance by phoning, 205/348-8324 or, for broadcast media, 205/348-8319 or 205/348-8327.

DEREK P. GREEN–Air Force Pilot Picks Up Degree on First Visit to Campus

Maj. Derek P. Green represents a growing, national trend among college graduates. He’s earned his degree even though he’s never set foot on campus. Green, a US Air Force pilot, gets his fist glimpse of campus when he comes to town for his May 13 graduation. A 36-year-old VIP airlift pilot at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., Green has earned a master’s of science degree in aerospace engineering through a video-based distance learning program at UA known as QUEST (Quality University Extended Site Telecourses). QUEST provides professionals with a means of continuing their education without quitting their jobs or following a regimented class schedule. A 14-year military veteran, Green, in a newly acquired Air Force position, will soon begin piloting an ASTRA business jet used to fly various government and military dignitaries on time sensitive Congressional or national defense matters. Green has applied to be part of NASA’s 2002 astronaut class and says his UA engineering degree strengthens his application. Green can be reached at 703/624-5662 (cellular). For more information, contact one of Green’s academic advisors and instructors, Dr. Michael Freeman, associate professor of aerospace engineering and mechanics, 205/348-7304.

RICK STEVENS AND CHIEF Man’s Best Friend Indeed

Five years ago, Rick Stevens would have never guessed he would be where he will be May 13th: receiving his master’s degree in social work in front of thousands of people. When Stevens, donned in cap and gown, walks across the stage to receive his degree, his service dog, Chief, also in cap and gown, will be at his side just as he has been for the past five years. Stevens, a Vietnam veteran diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, said Chief is with him 24 hours a day to help anticipate possible anxiety attacks and to assist him through the day. “Chief gave me the possibility of having a life. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this without him,” said Stevens.