Wednesday, August 02, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will begin the 2000-01 academic year with its annual convocation ceremony at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, in Trask Coliseum. The keynote speaker will be Chris Wallace, a correspondent for ABC News.

Wallace, who joined ABC News in 1989, became the chief correspondent for 20/20 in 1998. During the 1994-95 season for PrimeTime Live, Wallace reported on a wide range of investigative stories that spotlighted waste and fraud in the Medicare, food stamp and federal disability programs. Other reports he conducted were a hidden-camera investigation into gender bias, baggage theft by employees of U.S. airlines and the spread of "superbugs" resistant to treatment by antibiotics.

During his years with PrimeTime Live, Wallace received two Emmy Awards, two Investigative Reporters and Editors Awards and the National Press Club Award for consumer journalism. Prior to joining ABC News, Wallace was chief White House correspondent for NBC News and an anchor for Meet the Press.

As the start of a new academic year, convocation is a time for students to reflect upon the academic challenges that await them. This year's event will feature a pledge by faculty and incoming freshmen regarding the university's academic expectations.

Bertha Boykin Todd, a retired educator and long-time university supporter, will be awarded an honorary doctorate in humanities. During a 40-year career in the New Hanover County School system, Todd served as a teacher, librarian, counselor, principal and administrator. She has been a member of numerous community organizations including the UNCW Foundation Board. The honor recognizes Todd's diligent efforts throughout her career to improve race relations in Wilmington, New Hanover County and North Carolina.

In addition to celebrating the start of a new academic year, UNCW will recognize teaching excellence at its fall faculty meeting at 2 p.m. in Kenan Auditorium. The following awards will be presented:

Board of Trustees' Teaching Excellence

Distinguished Teaching Professorship

Faculty Scholarship

Chancellor's Teaching Excellence

Graduate Mentor Award

UNCW-TV will tape convocation for broadcast on The Learning Network, Time Warner Cable Channel 5. The ceremony will air at 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 21; 4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22; and 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23.