3:13 p.m., Dec. 4, 2008----Mary Patterson McPherson, executive director of the American Philosophical Society (APS), will speak at the University of Delaware's Winter Commencement, scheduled at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 10, in the Bob Carpenter Center. Winter Commencement, for students who complete their degree requirements in August and December, traditionally features a distinguished UD graduate as speaker.

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The ceremony will be Webcast live, and a link will be posted on the University's home page. The archived Webcast of the ceremony will be accessible the week following the Winter Commencement ceremony.

McPherson, who received her master's degree in philosophy from UD in 1960, leads the APS in its efforts to promote knowledge in the sciences and humanities through scholarly research.

Before being named as executive director of APS in 2007, McPherson served as vice president and as program officer for the liberal arts colleges program of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, an influential philanthropic supporter of higher education.

McPherson joined the faculty of Bryn Mawr College, in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in 1961 and served in several positions there as well as earning her doctorate from Bryn Mawr. From 1978-97, McPherson served as the sixth president of Bryn Mawr College and led the institution through a period of growth in the number and diversity of its students.

Known for her commitment to liberal arts and higher education for women, McPherson was awarded the University of Delaware Medal of Distinction in 1984 and became a member of UD's Wall of Fame in 1991.

All guests at Winter Commencement must have tickets and each degree candidate is entitled to eight tickets, which may be picked up this week from the Student Services Building, located at the corner of Lovett Avenue and Academy Street, in Newark, Del., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Should there be a need for additional guest tickets, there will be a waiting list. Those on the list will be accommodated on a space-available basis and any remaining tickets will be available to be picked up at the same location from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 8-12, Dec. 15-19 and Jan. 5-9.

Information about Winter Commencement is being mailed directly to degree candidates and their families. For more information on Winter Commencement activities, visit [www.udel.edu/commencement], send e-mail to [commencement@udel.edu] or call (302) 831-2113 or TDD (302) 831-4563.

The ceremony will conclude with a reception in the concourse (upper level) of the Bob Carpenter Center. Graduates are encouraged to use this opportunity for photographs with fellow graduates, family and friends. Light refreshments will be served.

Article by Martin Mbugua