June 2, 2004
129th Commencement at UW’s Seattle campus–2 p.m., June 12, Husky Stadium
Lee L. Huntsman, University of Washington president, will officiate at Commencement ceremonies in Seattle, as well as Commencement ceremonies of UW Bothell June 13. Acting Provost David Thorud will officiate at UW Tacoma’s Commencement ceremonies June 11.
The June 12 ceremonies at Husky Stadium start at 2 p.m. Graduates begin to line up at noon. The academic procession begins at 1:30. The ceremony takes 2½ hours and could be shortened in the event of inclement weather.
About 4,400 graduates are expected to attend, with an audience of about 38,000 family members and guests. Degrees are awarded to those who have completed academic requirements some time during the 2003-2004 academic year. An estimated 10,685 degrees will be awarded in Seattle.
The Commencement speaker is August Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
The Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award, the highest honor bestowed by the UW to an alumnus or alumna, will be presented at the Seattle ceremonies to astronaut Bonnie Dunbar.
Other recipients of special honors to be acknowledged at the Seattle commencement include: the Outstanding Public Service Award, Distinguished Teaching Awards, Excellence in Teaching Awards and the President’s Medals—presented to two graduating seniors with the most distinguished academic record.
Members of the Board of Regents, deans and other representatives of the University’s 17 colleges and schools will participate in the Seattle ceremony. University officials also will be present at the Tacoma and Bothell ceremonies.
Many of the colleges and schools also have separate graduation programs and investiture ceremonies. Complete information is available at http://depts.washington.edu/commence/.
UW Tacoma’s ceremonies are at 10 a.m. Friday, June 11 in the Tacoma Dome. Commencement speaker is David Horsey, Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist. Steven G. Olswang, interim chancellor of UW Tacoma, will present baccalaureate degrees; Elizabeth Feetham, acting dean of the Graduate School, will present graduate degrees. The ceremony also will spotlight a recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for academic achievement. Beth Kalikoff, assistant professor of interdisciplinary arts and sciences, will be recognized as the recipient of the UW Tacoma’s Distinguished Teaching Award. UW Tacoma will award 840 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
UW Bothell will hold ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 13 in the Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the UW campus in Seattle. The Commencement speaker is Paul Rogat Loeb, author and social activist. Warren W. Buck, chancellor and dean of UW Bothell will present the graduates. Dean’s Medals will be awarded to outstanding students in the Class of 2004. The Distinguished Teaching Award will be given to Alan Wood, professor of interdisciplinary arts and sciences. UW Bothell will award bachelor’s and master’s degrees to 670 students.
