Renowned Human Rights and Civil Liberties Pioneer Congressman John Lewis To Address Rensselaer Graduates at 207th Commencement
Retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral
Mike Mullen, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and
Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Pioneer Patty
Stonesifer Also Will Receive Honorary Degrees May
25
U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) — one of the nation’s
most dedicated and courageous civil rights leaders — will
address Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates at the 207th
Commencement May 25, 2013. He will join a group of high-level
business, military, and nonprofit foundation leaders who will
participate in the graduation ceremonies.
Lewis will receive an honorary degree, along with Retired
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Xerox
Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and Microsoft and Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation pioneer Patty Stonesifer.
“Congressman Lewis is indeed a ‘profile in courage,’ an
extraordinary example of the power of an individual to change
the world,” President Shirley Ann Jackson said. “At about the
same age as our students, he stood up for what was right by
sitting down at lunch counters, walking across a bridge in
Selma, and marching on Washington. In doing so, with a
persistent commitment to non-violence, he helped lead our
nation through the civil rights era to a new day. Long
considered the ‘conscience of the U.S. Congress,’ for more than
a half century he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of
equality, justice, and fairness for all. We are honored to have
this Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and true American
hero address the graduates at Rensselaer.
“We also look forward to honoring and hearing from
three other influential leaders in corporate America, the
military, and the foundation and nonprofit sectors,” President
Jackson added. “As chairman and CEO of Xerox, Ursula Burns has
led the transformation of a Fortune 500 company, and the
conversation on the importance of inviting young people to
pursue math and science careers. As former Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen guided the U. S.
armed services through a shift in mission and in culture. As
Chair of the White House Council on Community Solutions, and a
pioneer in Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation, Patty Stonesifer has remained focused on
creating access, reducing inequities, and expanding
opportunities for others. Each has been global in reach and
profound in impact, and we are honored by their participation
in our Commencement.”
