9:28 a.m., Nov. 30, 2010----New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a 1984 graduate of the University of Delaware, will speak at the University's Winter Commencement ceremonies, scheduled at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 9, in the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center, Pete Hayward, vice president and University secretary, has announced.

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Winter Commencement, for students who complete their degree requirements in August and December, traditionally features a distinguished UD graduate as speaker.

“Gov. Christie's long record of public service and his abiding love of his alma mater make him an excellent person to speak to our newest graduates,” Hayward said.

Because of limited seating, admission to Winter Commencement is by ticket only. Each degree candidate is entitled to a maximum of eight guest tickets, which will be distributed from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Nov. 29 - Dec. 3, at the ID Office in the Student Services Building. The ceremony also will be webcast live.

Chris Christie

Born in Newark, N.J., and raised in Livingston, Christie has lived in the Garden State his entire life, except to attend college. After graduating from UD in 1984, he attended Seton Hall University School of Law, graduating in 1987. Christie joined a Cranford law firm and soon was named a partner. He was elected a freeholder in Morris County, and served as director of the Board in 1997.

In 2002, Christie was named U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in New Jersey, he earned praise from leaders in both parties and drew national attention for his efforts in battling political corruption, corporate crime, human trafficking, gangs, terrorism and polluters. He led a widely acclaimed charge against public corruption, and his office racked up an impressive record -- winning convictions or guilty pleas from more than 130 public officials, both Republican and Democrat -- without losing a single case.

When Christie left the U.S. Attorney's office on Dec. 1, 2008, every major newspaper in the state applauded his term as New Jersey's U.S. Attorney. He was sworn in as New Jersey's 55th governor on Jan. 19, 2010.

Christie has been married for 24 years to the former Mary Pat Foster, who is a 1985 UD graduate. They live in Mendham, N.J., where they are raising their four children, Andrew, 17; Sarah, 14; Patrick, 10; and Bridget, 7.

Earlier this year, Christie was inducted in the University's Alumni Wall of Fame, which recognizes UD graduates for outstanding professional and public service achievements. In 2003, he received the UD Presidential Citation for Outstanding Achievement. Award.

About the ceremony

Additional details about Winter Commencement will be mailed directly to degree candidates and their families.

For more information on Winter Commencement activities, visit the special Winter Commencement webpage, send e-mail to [commencement@udel.edu] or call (302) 831-2113 or TDD (302) 831-4563.

The ceremony will conclude with a reception for graduates and their families on the concourse of the Bob Carpenter Center. Light refreshments will be served.

Photo by Ambre Alexander