Gallaudet Commencement Exercises Friday

From: WJLA - Washington,DC,USA - May 11, 2007

More than 300 students will receive degrees from Gallaudet University Friday afternoon.

The nation's premiere liberal arts university for the deaf and hard of hearing is holding its 138th commencement exercises at 1:30 p.m. Friday. A university spokeswoman says 189 students will receive undergraduate degrees while 125 advanced degrees will be conferred during ceremonies at the campus field house.

University President Robert Davila, who was installed earlier this week as the school's ninth president, will present honorary doctorates to educator Albert Simone and artists Betty Miller.

Simone is president of the Rochester Institute of Technology. He will also deliver the keynote address.

Friday's commencement ceremony comes as Davila continues his efforts to retain the school's accreditation. He's also been working to improve relations with students and faculty following demonstrations and protests that began last May over governance and leadership issues.

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