Friday, November 09, 2001

Wilmington, NC – Former public school teacher, health care professional and co-chair of the North Carolina Senate Appropriations Committee, and now a key figure for educational excellence, Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue will deliver the fall commencement address at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The ceremony is scheduled for 9:45 a.m., Friday, Dec.21, in Trask Coliseum.

Prior to her election as lieutenant governor, Perdue served five terms in the Senate and two terms in the state House of Representatives. She was consistently ranked as one of the most effective members of the North Carolina General Assembly and gained the reputation as one of the legislature’s hardest workers.

She is involved in many civic and community boards including the State Board of Education and State Board of Community Colleges, and she chairs the Health and Wellness Trust Fund. She has also supported innovative advances in education as well, including the Excellent Schools Act and Governor Hunt’s Smart Start for early childhood development.

As lieutenant governor, Perdue works on matters affecting North Carolina’s families such as clean air and water, access to technology, along with ensuring that law enforcement officers have the tools necessary to fight crime while making sure that our communities and schools remain safe.

UNCW December graduates should report to Hanover Hall by 9 a.m. on commencement day to robe and form the processional. Following the main ceremony, academic departments will hold individual commencement ceremonies and host receptions for their graduates and guests. Department locations and additional information is on the Web at www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/transitions/seniors/.

For further information on commencement, call Mary Crookes, commencement and convocation coordinator, at (910) 962-7505.

To arrange an interview with the Lt. Gov. Perdue, contact Derek Chernow at (919) 733-0098 or e-mail chernow@ncmail.net.

*Note: Reserved seating for the media will be in the front row of the bleachers on the north side of Trask Coliseum.