EUGENE–Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and a tireless advocate for the rights of children, will deliver the keynote address to the Class of 2000 on Saturday, June 10, at the University of Oregon’s 123rd spring commencement.

Altogether, approximately 4,200 students who have completed their work toward a degree during the 1999-2000 academic year are eligible to participate in the spring ceremonies, which begin at 12:30 p.m. at Hayward Field, 1580 E. 15th Ave. In the event of rain, the commencement ceremony will be held indoors at McArthur Court, 1601 University St.

President Dave Frohnmayer will preside over the university-wide exercises during which the university will bestow upon Edelman its highest commendation, an honorary doctoral degree, in recognition of her work to help disadvantaged children. The honorary degree is the fourth conferred by the University of Oregon in the past 54 years.

In addition, recipients of various university awards for teaching and for university and public service will be recognized.

Among spring term’s 3,269 degree candidates were 2,379 completing requirements for bachelor’s degrees, 146 for certificates, 499 for master’s degrees and 69 for doctoral degrees. Another 176 students received law degrees during the UO School of Law’s Commencement on May 21.

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