“Sen. Carper's distinguished public service career and tremendous accomplishments as a state and national leader make him an excellent choice of speaker to usher the graduating class into their respective careers,” Hayward said. “He is an outstanding alumnus whose tireless efforts have made a difference in Delaware and helped to elevate the image of the University of Delaware.”
Carper, who received a master's degree in business administration from UD in 1975, attended Ohio State University on a Navy ROTC Scholarship and graduated in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics. Carper went on to complete five years of service as a naval flight officer in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and later as a P-3 aircraft mission commander. He served in the Naval Reserve until his retirement from military service in 1991 with the rank of captain.
Carper's career in public service began in 1976 when he was elected to the first of three terms as Delaware's state treasurer. In 1982, he was elected to represent Delaware in the U.S. House of Representatives. After serving five terms as a U.S. congressman, Carper became the 78th governor of the state of Delaware in 1993 and served two terms in that role.
Carper was sworn in as Delaware's junior senator on Jan. 3, 2001. He was re-elected to the U.S. Senate on Nov. 7, 2006. Beginning in January 2007, Carper gained a seat on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in the 110th Congress. He retained his assignments and seniority on the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Aging.
All guests must have tickets to attend Winter Commencement, and each degree candidate is entitled to eight tickets, which may be picked up from the Student Services Building from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 3-7.
Information about Winter Commencement will be mailed directly to degree candidates and their families. For more information on Winter Commencement activities, visit [www.udel.edu/alumni/events/wcommence.html], send e-mail to [commencement@udel.edu] or call (302) 831-2113 or TDD (302) 831-4563.
The ceremony will conclude with a reception in the Delaware Field House. Light refreshments will be served and UD mascot YoUDee will be available for photographs with graduates and their families.
Article by Martin Mbugua
