Iowa State University


Inside Iowa State
April 30, 1999

Hixson graduates to be recognized at commencement

by Anne Dolan

Philanthropist Christina Hixson will return to campus next weekend to help send off the first group of students that attended Iowa State, in large part, because of her generosity. Thirty students in the first Hixson class -- recipients of Hixson Opportunity Awards -- have completed bachelor's degree programs in four years and will graduate. Spring commencement events will be held next week, May 7- 8.

Hixson, a native of Clarinda and trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust, will speak at the undergraduate ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 8, in Hilton Coliseum. Graduating Hixson scholarship student Michael Read, agricultural systems technology, also will speak on behalf of his peers.

Hixson's initial cash gift of $5 million in 1995 established the scholarship program for 100 freshmen every year who face financial or personal hurdles to attending college. Subsequent gifts from Hixson and others, bringing the scholarship fund to $12 million, have expanded the awards to four-year, renewable scholarships.

Commencement ceremonies

An estimated 300 master's and 100 doctoral candidates will receive their degrees during the graduate commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. Friday, May 7, in Stephens Auditorium. Max Rothschild, professor of animal science who was promoted to distinguished professor of agriculture earlier this month, will address the graduates. Rothschild is known internationally for his work in animal genetics, especially genetic variables in pigs.

During a noon ceremony Saturday, May 8, also in Stephens Auditorium, an estimated 95 veterinary students will receive their D.V.M. diplomas. Dr. Leonard Seda, a 1956 graduate of Iowa State's veterinary medicine program, will address the class. Seda lives and practices in Victor, and on July 1, will become president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association.

An estimated 2,100 undergraduate students will receive bachelor's degrees Saturday at the Hilton ceremony.

The seven colleges serving under-graduate students will honor them during receptions Friday evening and Saturday morning. The College of Education also will honor its graduate students at a reception in the Scheman first floor lobby after the graduate commencement ceremony Friday evening.

Commencement
Spring semester '99
May 7-8

Friday, May 7


Saturday, May 8

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Revised 04/29/99