Schools

RWU Announces Speaker for 2013 Commencment

John M. Barry, biographer of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, is scheduled to address this year's graduating class on May 18.

 

This July 8 marks the 350th anniversary of King Charles II's signing of the Rhode Island Royal Charter — and Roger Williams University is honoring the anniversary by inviting John M. Barry, renowned biographer of the Rhode Island founder, to address this year's commencement scheduled for May 18.

Barry will also receive an honorary degree from the University at the ceremony, scheduled to begin at 10 am, according to a statement released by RWU.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Larry Rachleff, accomplished conductor and music director for the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, will also be awarded an honorary degree during the May 18 ceremonies.

A day earlier, Morris Dees – a preeminent civil rights attorney and founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center – will deliver the Commencement address and earn an honorary degree at the Roger Williams University School of Law ceremony. 

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The law school ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 17, also on the University’s main athletic field. The School of Law will also present an honorary degree to Rhode Island Superior Court Presiding Justice Alice B. Gibney during the ceremony.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here