Chief justice, alumna to speak at UW’s winter commencement

The first woman on Wisconsin’s Supreme Court will address mid-year graduates at winter commencement, Sunday, Dec. 21.

Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson was appointed to the state Supreme Court in 1976, serving as chief justice since 1996. She earned her S.J.D. in legal history from the UW Law School in 1962, and holds degrees from New York University and Indiana University.

Abrahamson has served on the UW Law School faculty and has taught at Marquette University in Milwaukee. She is president-elect of the Conference of Chief Justices, a member of the board of directors of the National Center for State Courts, a member of the American Law Institute council, a member of the board of directors of the Institute of Judicial Administration at New York University and a member of the board of trustees of the American Inns of Court Foundation.

About 1,600 students will be eligible for degrees this December, although the UW–Madison registrar’s office reports that exact numbers are compiled daily. Two ceremonies in the Kohl Center on Dayton Street will mark the occasion:

* All Ph.D., M.F.A., master’s and professional degree candidates, bachelor’s degree candidates in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the schools of Education, Human Ecology, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy will participate in the 10 a.m. ceremony.

* Bachelor’s degree candidates in the colleges of Engineering, and Letters and Science, and the School of Business will celebrate their graduation at 2 p.m.

Abrahamson will speak at both ceremonies.

No tickets are required. Candidates and guests should arrive 20 minutes before the start of their ceremony to ensure they are seated at the appointed time. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on city streets, and in university ramps and lots. Complementary shuttle service will be available from lots adjacent to Camp Randall. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For information, contact the UW–Madison Commencement Hotline, (608) 262-9076.