Governor Christine Gregoire to Keynote 2006 Evans School Convocation

Dean Sandra O. Archibald has announced that Governor Christine Gregoire will deliver the Evans School convocation speech on Friday, June 9, as the School celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2006.

As Governor, Gregoire has made quality education for everyone in Washington one of her top priorities. "From pre-school to graduate school, Christine Gregoire is advancing a world-class education system for our state," said Dean Sandra O. Archibald. "It is truly an honor for our faculty and students to have the Governor among us as we celebrate the achievements of our students, the next generation of leaders in public and nonprofit service."

Gregoire has led a highly distinguished career in public service for the people of Washington state. Prior to occupying the Governor's Office, she directed the Washington Department of Ecology, negotiating the safe cleanup of radioactive wastes at Hanford, the largest environmental cleanup project in the world. She also served three terms as Attorney General—the first woman ever to be elected to the position in Washington. Her hallmarks in this role span from reforming the state's juvenile system and introducing new ethics laws for state government to strengthening the rights of victims of identity theft, obtaining major tobacco company settlements and recouping millions for Washingtonians after the Enron debacle.

The Governor is also a proud Husky. She received a bachelor's degree in Speech and Sociology from the University of Washington, and a law degree from Gonzaga University. This year, upwards of 125 Evans School students will graduate with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, one of the largest classes in the history of the school. And, like other classes, it is a generous one. Each year, the graduating class leaves a legacy for the School through its Class Gift campaign. The Class of 2006 is donating money to support internships for future MPA students. The Evans School is among the nation's top providers of public service education, and the premier provider in the Northwest.

To learn more about Christine Gregoire's remarkable career and her policy agenda, visit the Governor's official website.

The June 9 ceremony starts at 9 a.m. in UW's Kane Hall, Room 130 with a reception for students and their families to follow. Due to limited capacity, ceremony attendance is by invitation only. Check the Evans School's Web site after June 9 for audio links to Governor Gregoire's speech.

Return to May 2006 MPA Alumni News