Commencement celebrates grads’ achievements

Some 6,465 students are eligible to march down the aisle and receive their degrees during Temple’s 117th Commencement ceremony today. President David Adamany will preside at the exercises for the largest graduating class in recent history, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Liacouras Center.

Archer

Receiving an honorary degree at the ceremony is the Hon. Dennis Archer, former mayor of Detroit and Michigan Supreme Court Justice, who is the first African-American president of the American Bar Association. Archer, who will be awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degree, will also speak at the Law School diploma ceremony.

Continuing a Temple tradition, Provost Ira Schwartz will deliver the “Salute to the Graduates,” highlighting the achievements and contributions of outstanding members of this year’s graduating class.

Alumnus/trustee Bill Cosby will continue what has become another traditional part of Temple’s Commencement ceremonies when he offers his own signature brand of advice to the Class of 2004 and their families.

Graduating psychology and biology double major Amira Bass will address her graduating class as student speaker. Daughter of film professor Warren Bass, she holds a 3.75 GPA and will begin medical school in the fall at Thomas Jefferson University Medical School’s M.D. program. She has a full scholarship and will be an Algernon B. Jackson scholar.

Erin Ebeling, who receives her bachelor’s degree in voice performance today, will sing the national anthem.