Peace Corps director to speak at commencement

The national director of the United States Peace Corps will address mid-year graduates at UW–Madison’s winter commencement, Sunday, Dec. 19.

Gaddi Vasquez, the agency’s first Hispanic-American director, took office in 2002. The son of migrant farm workers, Vasquez is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.

He began his career as a police officer in Orange, Calif. He has served on the national advisory boards of the Salvation Army and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, as well as the board of directors of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. He is a co-founding chair of the Orange County Hispanic Education Fund and is on the board of directors of Olive Crest, which is dedicated to the protection and development of children and youth who are neglected, abandoned and abused.

About 1,600 people will be eligible for degrees this December; the registrar’s office says exact numbers are compiled daily.

Two ceremonies in the Kohl Center will mark the occasion:

All Ph.D., MFA, master’s and professional degree candidates and bachelor’s degree candidates in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the schools of Education, Human Ecology, Medicine and Nursing 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.

Vasquez 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. Complimentary shuttle service will be available from lots adjacent to Camp Randall. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.

For more information, call the Commencement Hotline, 262-9076.