Hello Daybreak audience,

My name is Tom Perry and I am the Director of College Relations at Marietta College. I have been at the College for more than five years and enjoy working to promote the College and serve as its spokesperson.

May is always a special time on our campus. With finals week coming to a close the college community is excited as we are nearing the 171st Commencement celebration on May 17. More than 250 students will receive their diplomas in front of audience of about 2,000 made up of family, friends and faculty.

These new members of the Long Blue Line will receive bachelor's (and others will receive graduate) degrees in a variety of fields, including petroleum engineering, music and psychology. Almost all of the College's graduates will enter the workforce or continue their education in graduate programs around the world.

During the ceremony, notable Civil Rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) will address students, encouraging them to "Get in the way." Prior to that speech, he will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Marietta College. Board of Trustee Chair Patricia A. Loreno Willis '70 will read a citation and President Dr. Jean A. Scott and Provost Dr. Rita Smith Kipp will place the honorary doctorate hood on the shoulders of Lewis.

Soon after the celebration ends on Saturday, the College will switch into summer mode. However, that simply means everyone will begin the process of preparing for the Class of 2012 to arrive and another academic year of successes to report.

Tom Perry