May 06, 2001

WKU Confers 1,466 Degrees, Honors Humanitarian Jones

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University honored an international humanitarian and recognized its international students today at its 149th Commencement.

In the ceremony at L.T. Smith Stadium, the University conferred 145 associate degrees, 1,116 baccalaureate degrees and 205 master's/specialist degrees for a total of 1,466.

The University also awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters to the Rev. Larry Jones, a former Bowling Green resident who founded Feed The Children in 1979. Jones and the Oklahoma City-based international relief agency have received numerous awards for their humanitarian efforts in areas affected by war, famine or disaster.

"Many times a doctorate degree is given to someone who has accomplished a job," said Jones, a native of Scottsville. "The job at Feed The Children is not finished."

Jones encouraged the Class of 2001 to join him and his wife, Frances, in their organization's efforts to fight childhood hunger.

"I may not have the privilege today to shake your hand," he said, "but I hope sometime in the future whether it's in Africa or Kentucky or California or someplace else that you and I are at the back of a truck handing out food to a hungry and a needy child."

"Because I believe that you believe like I do," Jones said, "it's obscene for a child to go to bed hungry in a world where there's plenty of food."

The University also recognized its international students by placing flags from the 19 nations with graduates participating in the ceremony next to the stage.

"In this graduating class alone are 40 international students from 19 different countries," Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell said. "I remind you not foreign but familiar countries; countries made familiar by the meaningful participation of these fine students in the life of our university."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to experience your friendship and for the insight and cultural enrichment you have brought from your native lands," he said.

The University also recognized 17 honor graduates, including 10 recipients of the Ogden Trustees' Award that goes to graduating seniors with perfect 4.0 GPAs and all coursework completed at Western.

Provost Barbara Burch recognized WKU faculty members honored for excellence in teaching, research and public service. Receiving the faculty awards, which will be formally presented this fall, were: Dr. Larry Danielson, Department of Modern Languages and Intercultural Studies, excellence in teaching; Dr. Elizabeth Lemerise, Department of Psychology, excellence in research/creativity; and Dr. David Coffey, Department of Agriculture, excellence in public service.

Dr. Burch also recognized history professor Dr. James T. Baker, the newest University Distinguished Professor.

Western's Public Television Service, WKYU-PBS, will rebroadcast the commencement ceremony at 8 a.m. May 13.

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