Liberian president tapped for commencement speaker at Dortmouth College

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia, will deliver the main address at Dartmouth College's 2008 Commencement exercises on Sunday, June 8, on the Dartmouth Green. She is also one of eight individuals who will receive honorary degrees at the event.

Johnson-Sirleaf, known as Africa's "Iron Lady," is a leading promoter of peace, justice and democratic rule. In November 2005, she was elected President of Liberia and became the first woman to lead an African nation. The Harvard-educated former World Bank economist won the election with an impressive 59.4 percent of the vote.

"President Johnson-Sirleaf's life-long commitment to the advancement of human rights and the spread of democracy has had a profound impact on her nation of Liberia, and it is an honor to have her as this year's commencement speaker. Her example is a powerful demonstration of the contributions that an individual can make and I know she will serve as an inspiration to Dartmouth students," said Dartmouth President James Wright, who will also speak at the event.

Also speaking will be the valedictorian of the undergraduate senior class, who is announced the week of commencement, after final grades are calculated.

The College typically awards approximately 1,000 bachelor's degrees and approximately 500 master's and doctoral degrees in the Arts and Sciences and from the College's three professional schools: Dartmouth Medical School, the Thayer School of Engineering and the Tuck School of Business.

Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Source: Dortmouth News