Commencement Speakers

Selection process:

Early each fall term, seniors are contacted by the Dean of the College, explaining the selection process and inviting speaker suggestions from the Lewis & Clark College community. After reaching its decision, the Selection Committee asks the President to invite the speaker recommended.

Recent commencement speakers:

2009: Ray Suarez, author, journalist

2008: Greg Mortenson, author, Three Cups of Tea

2007: Vivian Gusin Paley, noted child psychologist, University of Chicago

2006: Charles Johnson, S. Wilson and Grace M. Pollock Professor for Excellence in English, University of Washington.

2005: Josef Joffe, Publisher of Die Zeit

2004: Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institutes of Health

2003: Ted Kulongoski, Governor, State of Oregon

2002: Ambassador Christopher Ross, Special Coordinator for Public Diplomacy and Deputy to the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State

2001: Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Laureate and former President of Poland

2000: Dr. Ben O. Canada, Superintendent, Portland Public Schools

1999: Heidi Heitkamp, Attorney General, North Dakota,JD, Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College '80

1998: Brian Lamb, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN)

1997: Jack Ward Thomas, Chief, U.S. Forest Service (retired)