Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Scholars Compass VCU Commencement Programs VCU University Archives 2001 Virginia Commonwealth University Commencement Program Virginia Commonwealth University Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/vcucommence © Virginia Commonwealth University Downloaded from http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/vcucommence/36 This Program is brought to you for free and open access by the VCU University Archives at VCU Scholars Compass. It has been accepted for inclusion in VCU Commencement Programs by an authorized administrator of VCU Scholars Compass. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Virginia C om monwealt h University COMMENCEMENT MAY 19 • THE <SOLISEUM • RIC HMOND, VIRGINIA ,, ... ·, ,, ., " , ' ' ' . ' "'·· Program Processional* Virginia Commonwealth University Commencement Band Terry L. Austin, Conducting National Anthem VCU Police Honor Guard VCU Commencement Band Introductions Eugene P. Trani, President Commencement Address David Baldacci Conferring of Special Awards The President Honorary Degrees Edward A. Wayne Medal Presidential Medallions Conferring of Degrees The President UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES College of Humanities and Sciences Stephen D. Gottfredson, Dean School of Allied Health Professions Cecil B. Drain, Dean School of the Arts Richard E. Toscan, Dean School of Business Michael L. Sesnowitz, Dean School of Dentistry Ronald J. Hunt, Dean School of Education John S. Oehler, Dean School of Engineering Robert J. Mattauch, Dean School of Nursing Nancy F. Langston, Dean School of Social Work Frank R. Baskind, Dean GRADUATE AND FIRST PROFESSIONAL DEGREES * The audience School of Graduate Studies Jack L. Haar, Dean may remain seated School of Dentistry Ronald J. Hunt, Dean during the academic School of Medicine Heber H. Newsome, Jr., Dean procession but School of Pharmacy Victor A. Yanchick, Dean will stand for the National Anthem. D OCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY CANDIDATES Jack L. Haar, Dean Hooding by Dean John S. Oehler ** Graduates will and Dean Victor A. Yanchick remain in place until the President's party leaves. Recessional** VCU Commencement Band T H E HONORARY DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS is Virginia Commonwealth University's highest form of recognition. Awarded by the President at Commencement, it recognizes the Commencement speaker as well as others who have made outstanding contributions to society through scholarship, humanitarianism, science, art, and public service. 2001 Recipients David Baldacci Helen A. Thomas HONORARY DOCTOR OF HU MAN E LETTERS David Baldacci Commencement Speaker From his phenomenally suc­ The Was hington Post, and cessful 1996 debut, Absolute Germany's Welt am Sonntag. Power, to last year's Wish You More than 25 million copies Well, author David Baldacci of Mr. Baldacci's books are in has consistently entertained print worldwide. Two of his readers and critics alike with his novels have been published best-selling suspense novels. as Reader's Digest Condensed Mr. Baldacci was born in Books. Absolute Power was 1960 in Virginia, where he made into a motion picture currently resides. He received starring Clint Eastwood and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Gene Hackman. His novels have been translated Virginia Commonwealth University and his law into more than 30 languages and sold in more degree from the University of Virginia. He prac­ than 80 countries. All Mr. Baldacci's books ticed law for nine years in Washington, D.C., as have been national and international bestsellers, both a trial lawyer and a corporate lawyer. and he is a favorite author of such celebrities as Mr. Baldacci has published six novels: Absolute Howard Stem, Newt Gingrich, George Bush, Bill Power, Total Control, The Winner, The Simple Truth, Clinton, and Larry King. Saving Faith, and Wish You Well. He also h as David Baldacci has been fe atured on many written six original screenplays, the most recent television and radio programs. He also is one of which is a family drama set in the South dur­ of Virginia's most dedicated philanthropists, ing 1940 and is the inspiration for Wish You Well. with contributions to numerous charities, VCU Mr. Baldacci is the creator of a mystery television Libraries, and VCU's recent campaign to build series to be produced by Paramount Studios and the Richard T. Robertson A lumni House and to be aired on USA Network. establish endowed scholarships for students. His writing has been published in USA Today Through readings and book signings, Mr. Baldacci Magazine, Britain's Tatler Magazine and New also has donated considerable time to both VCU Statesman, UVA Lawyer, Italy's Panorama Magazine, Libraries and the Library of Virginia. HONO RA RY DOCTOR OF H UMANE LETTERS Helen A. Thomas H e len Thomas, a H earst Ms. Thomas also was the Newspapers columnist who only woman print journalist served for 5 7 years as a corre­ to travel with President spondent fo r United Press Richard Nixon to Ch ina International and White House during January 1972. She bureau chief, was bo rn in enjoys th e distinction of Winchester, Kentucky, and having traveled the world raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she graduated several times with Presidents Nixon , Ford, from Wayne State University. Carter, Reagan, Bush, and C linton. For 12 years, Ms. Thomas wrote radio news Ms. Thomas has received numerous honors for UPI. Eventually, she was covering the news and awards for her career achievements, includ­ of the Depart ment of Justice, the FBI , the ing journalism awards and honorary degrees Department of Health and Human Services, and from several universities, the National Press Capitol Hill. Club's Fourth Estate Award, and the N ational In November 1960, she began covering then Federation of Press Women Award. In 1998, President-elect John F. Kennedy, fo llowing him the White House Correspondents Association to the White House in January 1961 as a member honored her as the first recipient of the Helen of the UPI team. It was during this first White Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award. House assignment that Ms. Thomas began closing Ms. Thomas is the author of Dateline White presidential press conferences with her trademark House, published in 1974, and From Row at the "Thank you, Mr. President." White House , published in 1999. T H E EDWARD A. WAYNE MEDAL was established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary service to Vi rginia Commonwealth University. Awarded by the President at Commencement, the medal is named in honor of Edward A. Wayne, Chairman of the commission that led to the establishment of Virginia Commonwealth University in 1968 by the Virginia General Assembly. Mr. Wayne served as the University's first Vice Rector. 2001 Recipient Bertha C. Rolfe ED WARD A . WA YN E MEDAL Bertha C. Rolfe M s. Bertha C. Rolfe is one Lia ison Committee fo r of Virginia Commonwealth Student Affairs; Vice-Chair University's and the commu­ of its House Committee; and nity's most important public­ Chair of its 100th Anniversary service advocates. She earned Committee. She also has held her Bachelor of Science in leadership roles with t he pharmacy from the Medical Women's Health Advisory College of Virginia in 194 7 and served at the Council for OB-GYN, the School of Pharmacy School of Pharmacy as a full-time instructor from Advancement Council, the Massey Cancer Center 1948 to 1957 and as a part-time instructor in the Advisory Board, and the MCV Foundation. Her 1960s and 1970s. She also was a volunteer hospital commitment to the University earned her the pharmacist at McGuire Veterans Medical Center. Hodges-Kay Service Award in 1998 and the Ms. Ro lfe is a member of Rho C hi, the Pharmacy Alumnus Service Award in 1991. Pharmacy Honorary Fraternity, and Sigma Zeta, Ms. Rolfe's civic leadership includes member­ the Honorary Scientific Fraternity for VCU's ship with, among others, the National Council of Medical College of Virginia Campus. Jewish Women, the Brandeis University National Ms. Rolfe has a long-time commitment to VCU Women's Committee, the Jewish Community Center, in a variety of capacities. She is a member of Jewish Family Services, the Science Museum of VCU's Retired Faculty Council. She has served Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and as Vice President of the MCV Alumni Association Hadassah. She also has been active with the Belle of VC U, C hair of its Pharmacy Division and Terre Garden Club and the Virginia Orchid Society. T H E PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION was established in 1984 by the Board of Visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University to honor the outstanding contributions of the members of the University community. The award recogn izes these individuals for extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU. 2001 Recipients Jeffrey Levin, D.D.S. Regenia A. Perry Lauren A. Woods, M.D. PRES I DENTIAL MEDALLIO N Dr. Jeffrey Levin Dr. Jeffrey Levin earned his Dentistry, and the Search Doctor of Dental Surgery Committee for the Vice from the School of Dentistry President fo r Research at at Virginia Commonwealth VCU. He also h as served University in 1968. After as Chair of the School of serving in the United States Dentistry's AGO Mastership Army Dental Corps, he Program and as a campaign became a member of the chair for the Philips Institute adj unct faculty of the School for Oral and Craniofacial of Dentistry. He established Molecular Biology. and has continued to main­ Dr. Levin is a leading tain a private practice in Richmond since 1970. community advocate with current and previous He earned his Bachelor of Arts at Emory service with the local chapter of the Development University in Atlanta, Georgia. Committee of the American Red Cross and the Dr. Levin has been active with VCU almost Healthcare Division of the Richmond Jewish since his graduation.