American University Honors Grads at 123rd Commencement

Image Gallery photo by Jeff Watts More than 1,800 students will participate in American University's 2009 Commencement.   Click image to view fullsize   Image 1 of 1

Newswise — More than 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students will participate in American University commencement events on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, in the university’s Bender Arena. It is a longstanding tradition for the university to hold graduation ceremonies Mother’s Day weekend.

During its 123rd commencement, AU will honor a dedicated public servant, a Wall Street executive, the founding director of a long-awaited national museum, an international human rights activist, and a prominent journalist when it confers honorary doctoral degrees to commencement speakers Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.); Susan Zirinsky, executive producer of the CBS news magazine 48 Hours; Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture; and John Prendergast, cofounder of the Enough Project. Gary Cohn, president and chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs, will speak but will not receive an honorary degree. Zirinsky, Bunch, Prendergast, and Cohn are AU alums.

In addition to conferring honorary degrees at the May 9 ceremonies, the university will recognize Mieke E. Meurs, professor of economics, as the Scholar/Teacher of the Year, and present scholarship and service awards for graduating students.

The 2009 President’s Award, the highest honor bestowed to an undergraduate student, will be presented to Carrie Johnson, a double major in law and society and interdisciplinary studies for her combined record of academic achievement and her ability to influence teachers, legislators, and colleagues alike. Johnson is a 2008 Morris K. Udall Scholar, a 2009 South Dakota Senate Fellow, a 2009 USA TODAY All-USA College Academic First Team selection, Truman Scholarship finalist, and an American University Honors Program outstanding leader, among other honors.

Located in Washington, D.C., American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries and providing opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world.