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Dateline: 5/14/2009

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY NEWS FEATURE

Gonzaga Graduates Largest Class Ever

For the seventh straight year, Gonzaga is graduating its largest class ever as 2,019 undergraduate, graduate and law students donned caps and gowns for the University’s 116th commencement ceremonies. Graduate and undergraduate ceremonies were May 9-10, respectively. The Law School commencement takes place Saturday (May 16).

The final commencement exercises presided over by Father Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., who will step down July 15 after 11 years to pursue other opportunities with the Jesuits.
This marks the final graduation as president for Gonzaga President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., who will step down from the position effective July 15 to pursue other duties.
There are approximately 180 more graduates this year than in 2008 when 1,839 degrees were conferred. To be conferred this year are 1,072 bachelor, 743 master, 19 doctoral and 185 law degrees.

Graduate Commencement was held in the McCarthey Athletic Center on May 9. The keynote speaker was author and former Jesuit Scholastic Christopher Lowney, who received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Gonzaga. Lowney authored “Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company that Changed the World,” among other books. Dr. Anna Ledgerwood, director of trauma and professor of surgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Dr. Ledgerwood earned a bachelor degree in psychology from Gonzaga in 1963.

Senior Commencement was held at the Spokane Arena on May 10. Gonzaga President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., who steps down from the position July 15 after 11 years, was the keynote speaker. Father Spitzer received the DeSmet Medal, Gonzaga’s highest honor. Longtime Gonzaga benefactors Tom and Camilla Tilford received honorary Doctor of Law degrees. Tom Tilford, a 1966 alumnus, has been a member of Gonzaga’s Board of Trustees and is now a Trustee Emeritus and director of Gonzaga’s Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

The Law School Commencement will be held in the McCarthey Athletic Center beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday (May 16). The Honorable Ryan C. Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and will be the keynote speaker. Thomas J. Greenan will be honored with Gonzaga’s 2009 Law Medal, awarded to individuals who have provided exemplary service to the law profession. Twice an alumnus, Greenan has served as a Gonzaga Regent and Trustee is currently Trustee Emeritus. 



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