Media Advisory – The University of Alabama’s Winter Commencement Exercises

The University of Alabama’s Winter Commencement Exercises, Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, 9 a.m., Coleman Coliseum

Speaker – Dr. Rita Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation

Having served as director of the National Science Foundation since 1998, Dr. Rita Colwell has spearheaded the foundation’s emphases in K-12 science and mathematics education, graduate science and engineering education/training and the increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering. Before coming to NSF, Colwell was president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. She is a nationally respected scientist and educator and has authored or co-authored 16 books and more than 600 scientific publications. She produced the award-winning film, Invisible Seas, and has served on editorial boards of numerous scientific journals.

Noteworthy/Inspiring Graduates:

Jean Herron: Battled Breast Cancer and Family Loss While Earning Doctorate Degree

About 18 months ago, Jean Herron, UA’s program manager for distance education, was in the homestretch for completing the requirements for her long-awaited goal of earning her doctorate in education. Then, in May 2000, her mother died and, in June, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For many, that combination would have been enough to give up on the degree, but Herron persevered and will receive her degree on Monday. Herron never missed a class or deadline while taking radiation and chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, which was detected early and is currently in remission. In addition to her mother, to whom she dedicated her dissertation and degree, Herron also lost an aunt and uncle during the summer of 2000.

Rob and Jared Lane: Brothers Start Business While in School, Both Graduating with Honors

A lot of college graduates will want to start their own business after graduation, but Rob and Jared Lane are already ahead of those students since they’ve started a successful business while still in school. As students, the brothers took their residual college funds and renovated a downtown Tuscaloosa store into a bar called “Dionysus.” Although they’ve only been in business about two months, they’re turning a profit. Rob will graduate with honors with a finance degree. Jared is graduating (after only 2 1/2 years) with honors in political science and history.