UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 13
December 5, 1996
Episcopal bishop to speak at Winter Commencement

     Continuing a University tradition of inviting distinguished
alumni to speak at Winter Commencement, the Rt. Rev. Ronald H.
Haines, Delaware '56 and Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C.,
will be the featured speaker at next month's ceremony, scheduled
for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, in the Bob Carpenter Sports/
Convocation Center.
     Also at this year's ceremony, the University's Medal of
Distinction will be presented to Sarah Jastak-Burgess, Delaware
'54M, '63PhD, an active supporter of the arts in Delaware.
     The Medal of Distinction is presented by the University in
recognition of outstanding professional achievements.
     Each year, Winter Commencement recognizes students who
complete their degree requirements in August and December.
     Attendance at graduation is voluntary, but those
participating in the ceremony must wear academic regalia, which
can be ordered from the University Bookstore. Seating for the
ceremony is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each graduating
student is entitled to a maximum of six guest tickets, which will
be available from Dec. 9-13 at the Student Services Building.
     Bishop Haines was elected the seventh bishop of Washington
in 1990, after serving as suffragan bishop in 1989 and bishop pro
tem in 1989-90.
     By virtue of his election, he also became the CEO of the
National Cathedral Foundation, which oversees the Washington
National Cathedral, the National Cathedral School for Girls, St.
Alban's School and the Beauvoir School, as well as the College of
Preachers.
     During his tenure, the National Cathedral Foundation has
undergone significant transitions, including the completion of
construction of the cathedral.
     Bishop Haines has led the Diocese of Washington through many
changes. A large and diverse diocese of nearly 100 congregations
in rural, urban and suburban areas, the diocese was established
in 1896. As bishop, he has dealt with major issues in society
such as racism in and out of the church and issues surrounding
gender equality and sexual orientation.
     He previously served parishes in Manhattan, the Bronx and
North Carolina. Before coming to Washington, he was the diocesan
administrator, treasurer and deployment officer in western North
Carolina.
     Bishop Haines completed his initial seminary training at the
Mercer School of Theology before earning both master's degrees in
divinity and in spiritual theology at the General Theological
Seminary in New York. He was granted doctor of divinity degrees
from both the General Theological Seminary and the Virginia
Theological Seminary.
     He earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
from UD and pursued a secular career for nearly 10 years, along
with an increasingly active lay ministry.
     He has been married for 40 years to the former Mary
Elizabeth Terrell, Delaware '56, and they have six grown children
and several grandchildren.
     For additional information on Winter Commencement
activities, including handicapped accommodations, contact the
Office of Alumni and University Relations at 831-8741.