Knox College Commencement 2009

Prosecuting organized criminals and international terrorists "was hard work, but it wasn't sacrifice," said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald in his Commencement Address to the Knox College Class of 2009. Fitzgerald urged Knox graduates not to look down on public service as "a great thing -- for somebody else to do."

After Fitzgerald spoke through a summer shower, Knox President Roger Taylor stepped to the podium and asked graduates whether they wanted to disperse, take cover and get their diplomas later... or continue with Commencement on the south lawn of Old Main. By voice vote, the 266 graduates chose to continue with the College's 164th awarding of bachelor's degrees.

Knox awarded Fitzgerald the honorary degree of doctor of laws, in recognition of his work as a federal attorney who has prosecuted high-profile charges of terrorism, organized crime and political corruption.

Knox awarded the honorary degree of doctor of science to renowned geneticist Bill Geer, Clara A. Abbott Professor Emeritus of Biology, a member of the Knox faculty from 1963 to 2000.

The College awarded the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters to author Garry Wills, who was unable to attend due to illness.

Video, Audio, and Transcripts of Commencement Address by Patrick Fitzgerald and Other Commencement Speakers

Honorary Degree Citations:
Citation for Patrick Fitzgerald
Citation for Garry Wills
Citation for Bill Geer

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