WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., Sept. 3, 2009 -- Interim President William G. Wagner and College Council Co-Presidents Elizabeth Brickley '10 and Michael Tcheyan '10 will welcome the graduating class of 2010 at Williams College's Fall Convocation on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The Convocation ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. in Chapin Hall and will be preceded by a processional. Following the ceremonies there will be an all-campus picnic on the lawn of Paresky Center. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Senator Mark E. Udall '72 will be the principal speaker at the event, which formally launches the academic year. The title of his speech is "Attitudes and Altitude." The senator is nationally recognized for his steadfast commitment to addressing challenging environmental issues, including his early support for alternative energy.

The ceremony will include introduction of the newest members of Phi Beta Kappa by Dean of the College Karen R. Merrill and the announcement of the winner of The Grosvenor Cup Award, given to the senior who has best demonstrated concern for the college community.

President Wagner will present Senator Udall with the college's Bicentennial Medal during the ceremony. Established in 1993 on the occasion of the college's 200th anniversary, Bicentennial Medals honor members of the Williams community for distinguished achievement in any field of endeavor.

In addition to Senator Udall, those receiving medals will include The Honorable Karen Ashby '79, a nationally recognized expert in matters of juvenile and family law; Mika Brzezinski '89, television news journalist and familiar anchor on NBC; Gary Fisketjon '76, editor and vice president at Alfred A. Knopf; and John F. Raynolds '51, who in the Korean War was a member of the first underwater demolition team to be deployed by helicopter, which lead to formation of the U.S. Navy SEALs.

On Friday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. in Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, the Bicentennial Medalists will participate in a panel discussion where they will share their life stories.

About the Convocation speaker

Mark Udall was elected to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 4, 2008, after representing the state's second Congressional District for five terms (from 1999-2008). Prior to that, Udall served in the Colorado General Assembly for one term (1997-99).

In the Senate, Udall serves on the Armed Services Committee, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Special Committee on Aging. He chairs the National Parks Subcommittee. He is an advocate for the environment and development of alternative fuels. He has also championed health care for workers and retirees from the nation's nuclear weapons complex and consumer protection against abusive and predatory credit card companies.

Udall is son of the late Morris Udall, a 30-year member of Congress and a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination. After graduation from Williams, he moved to Colorado and began a career with the Colorado Outward Bound School, as a course director and educator from 1975 to 1985 and as the organization's executive director from 1985 to 1995.

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For building locations on the Williams campus, please consult the map outside the driveway entrance to the Security Office located in Hopkins Hall on Main Street (Rte. 2), next to the Thompson Memorial Chapel, or call the Office of Public Affairs (413) 597-4279. The map can also be found on the web at www.williams.edu/home/visitors/map/index.html
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