RELEASED: May 16, 2002

DANVILLE, KY-In a year when Centre College seniors have accomplished amazing feats — such as producing a school record five Fulbright winners — it seems fitting that a class member will give the primary graduation address. Senior Robert Markham will give the Commencement address on Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m. at the graduation of Centre's 179th class.

About 257 students are to graduate in the ceremonies at Newlin Hall of Centre's Norton Center for the Arts.

Markham, an economics major, was chosen to be the primary speaker by the speaker-selection committee.

Markham, who attended Athens High School in Athens, Ohio, says the bond the class has developed during the past four years has been a special one. He added that he feels fortunate to be a student at Centre at a time when the world is quickly changing.

"In light of the tragic events of Sept. 11, being at Centre and part of a strong liberal arts educational experience teaches you about people's differences in an especially relevant way. That's both uncommon and helpful in these times."

Markham arrived at Centre in 1998 and has been active in many aspects of the college. He has studied overseas in Centre's London program, served as a resident assistant, served on Student Congress as student affairs chair and as the campus improvement chair, is involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Markham has also been a member of Centre's dean's list every semester since arriving in Danville.

Markham will begin work on a master's degree in economics at Miami of Ohio University in Oxford, Ohio, in the fall.

Student Congress President Wesley Fugate, a senior from Prestonsburg, will also address the class.

Peggy Curlin will also speak during the ceremony and will receive an honorary degree. Curlin is a leader in international family planning and women's health with more than 25 years of experience. She currently serves as President of The Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), a women-focused international nonprofit organization. Founded in 1975, CEDPA's mission is to empower women at all levels of society, providing health and education services to millions of women through partnerships with 138 organizations in 40 countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CEDPA has offices in Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, Senegal and South Africa. Curlin graduated from Centre in 1962 with a degree in home economics.

The Baccalaureate address will be given by Professor of Religion Eric Mount.

Mount has taught at Centre since 1966 and retires from the active faculty in June. He has taught courses on topics such as ethics and health care, business ethics and contemporary theology. He has also served as dean of students, college chaplain and vice president of the college.

The author of four books, Mount holds a bachelor of arts degree from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College), a bachelor of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, a master's degree in sacred theology from Yale Divinity School and a doctorate from Duke University.

The Baccalaureate address will take place Sunday at 11 a.m. at Newlin Hall, followed by Commencement at 3 p.m. The Baccalaureate address is open to the public, while Commencement, due to space limitations, is open only for family members of the graduates.

Centre's Commencement celebration begins Saturday, May 25. The Senior Class Tribute will take place at 5:30 p.m. behind Old Centre. A senior class photograph will be taken at 6 p.m. A family picnic will be held on the lawn in front of the Cowan Dining Commons starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday's festivities will conclude with a senior family party in front of Old Centre. The party will include refreshments, prize giveaways, music and a fireworks show.

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