VOLUME 12, NUMBER 22 • MAY 18, 2001

Convocation 2001 Celebrates a Century of Scientific Achievements at Rockefeller

Convocation is always an important milestone for those who are graduating. This year's Convocation, however, marks an important milestone for the university itself. On Thurs., June 14, the day of Convocation, the university will celebrate its 100th birthday.

Founded by John D. Rockefeller, the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research was incorporated on June 14, 1901. It was the first institution in the United States devoted solely to biomedical research to understanding the underlying causes of disease. The Rockefeller Institute was later renamed The Rockefeller University as its scope and mandate broadened.

This year's Convocation ceremonies include a number of special events that celebrate not only the achievements of this year's graduates but also a century of outstanding science at Rockefeller.

The events on June 14 begin with a reception for the graduates, their families, presenters and other invited guests at 11:30, followed by a luncheon at noon. The David Rockefeller Fellowship for an outstanding 3rd-year Ph.D. student will be presented at the luncheon. (News&Notes will include a profile of this year's winner in a future issue.)

The procession of graduates and marchers in cap and gown will take place at 2:30 p.m. The procession begins in the Weiss lobby and crosses the campus to Caspary Auditorium. The entire Rockefeller University community is encouraged to gather on campus to wathc the procession.

At the ceremony itself, at 3 p.m., 15 students will receive their Ph.D.s. As is customary at Rockefeller, each graduate will be presented individually by his or her mentor. (News&Notes will publish excerpts from these remarks in the issue following Convocation.)

The David Rockefeller Award also will be presented at Convocation, as will the honorary degrees.

This year the university is awarding six honorary doctorates to scientists who are outstanding researchers in their respective fields. The recipients are Michael S. Brown, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Freeman J. Dyson, of the Institute for Advanced Study; Joseph L. Goldstein, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; H. Gobind Khorana, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; David B. Mumford, of Brown University; and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, of the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology. (For biographical information on the recipients, see page 3.)

After the ceremonies, the graduates will pose for the traditional class picture on the steps of Founder's Hall and will be toasted at a reception on the Peggy Rockefeller Plaza.

On Fri., June 15, the honorary degree recipients wll present a symposium entitled "Launching a New Century of Discovery." Their presentations will take place in Caspary Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For additional information, consult the university's Web site: www.rockefeller.edu.