On Wednesday morning, Senior Class President Elizabeth Oblinger announced via e-mail the selection speakers and honorary degree recipients for Colgate’s 189th Commencement Exercises. University of Chicago Professor of Law and Ethics Martha Nussbaum will speak at Commencement and Virginia Theological Seminary Professor of Religion Rev. Dr. Roger A. Ferlo ’73 will deliver the Baccalaureate Address. Colgate alumnus Daniel C. Benton ’80 and President of Weaton College of Massachusetts Dr. Ronald Crutcher will receive honorary doctorates from the University.

“Despite the diverse list of recipients – Colgate alums, renowned academics, a distinguished businessman, and a talented musician – all of this year’s recipients share a passion for liberal arts education,” Oblinger said in an e-mail to the Maroon-News. “It is fitting that they will be honored at Colgate’s Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies in May.”

The annually convened Honorary Degree Committee debated and finalized the list of speakers and degree recipients based on nominations and recommendations from members of the University community. This year’s Committee included Interim President of the University Lyle Roelofs, Secretary of the College Kim Waldron, Professors Karen Harpp, Andy Rotter and Lynn Staley, and Board of Trustees members Jeff Fager, Pat Kabat and Jim Smith.