Inside Iowa State: Iowa State University

December 13, 2002

Alumnus Sutherland to give commencement speech

by Debra Gibson
Thomas Sutherland, an Iowa State University alumnus who was held hostage for more than six years by the Islamic Jihad, will be the commencement speaker during undergraduate ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, in Hilton Coliseum.

Sutherland, a native of Scotland, received two ISU graduate degrees in animal science in the 1950s. He was serving as dean of agricultural and food sciences at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon when he was kidnapped on June 9, 1985. After spending 6 1/2 years in captivity, Sutherland was released on Nov. 18, 1991. He and his wife, Jean, now reside in Ft. Collins, Colo., where he serves as professor emeritus at Colorado State University.

Iowa State will award M. Daniel Lane an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the undergraduate ceremony. Lane is internationally known for his groundbreaking work in the fields of biochemistry and nutrition. His research on the development and functions of adipocytes (fat cells) has made him an international leader in understanding the mechanisms underlying obesity. His studies have resulted in the discovery of a novel appetite-controlling drug and other important insights into basic mechanisms of appetite control. He continues to perform pioneering work in insulin signaling and in mechanisms underlying diabetes.

An anticipated 1,487 under-graduate students will receive their degrees during the Dec. 21 ceremony. An estimated 393 graduate students (81 doctoral and 312 master's) will be honored during the graduate commencement ceremony at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, in Stephens Auditorium. Mary Swander, ISU distinguished professor of English, will speak. Tickets are not required for either commencement ceremony.

All undergraduate colleges will hold their own receptions Friday evening or Saturday morning to honor their students.

Commencement

Friday, December 20

4 p.m., Reception, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (5 p.m. ceremony), for undergraduate students, Scheman, 4-7742.
5 p.m. Ceremony, College of Business, for graduate and under-graduate students, Hilton, 4-8430.
5 p.m., Ceremony, College of Education, for undergraduate students (6:30 p.m. reception), first-floor lobby, Scheman, 4-7003.
5:30-7 p.m., Reception, College of Engineering, for graduate students, Scheman, 4-5933.
8 p.m., Commencement, for graduate students, Stephens, 4-9372.
9:15-10:15 p.m., Reception, College of Education, for graduate students, first-floor lobby, Scheman, 4-7003.

Saturday, December 21

8:30 a.m., Reception, College of Agriculture (9:30 a.m. ceremony), for undergraduate students, Stephens, 4-8653.
8:30 a.m., Reception, College of Family and Consumer Sciences (9:30 a.m. ceremony), for undergraduate students, Sun Room, MU, 4-5981.
9 a.m., Reception, College of Engineering (9:30 a.m. informal recognition programs), for undergraduate students, Fisher Theater and Scheman, 4-5933.
9:30 a.m., Reception, College of Design (10 a.m. ceremony), for undergraduate and graduate students, Design atrium, 4-7428.
10:30 a.m.-noon, Brunch, for students and guests of all colleges, second-floor lobby, Scheman, pre-purchase tickets by Dec. 13 at 158 MU, adults $15, children ages 3-10 $7.50, children under 2 free, 4-8488.
1:30 p.m., Commencement, for undergraduate students, no tickets needed, Hilton, 4-9372.