Wilm. Trust president to address winter grads
Vol. 17, No. 11Nov. 13, 1997

Wilm. Trust president to address winter grads

Robert V.A. Harra Jr., BE '71 and president of Wilmington Trust Corp. and its principal subsidiary, Wilmington Trust Co., will address the University's newest graduates at this year's Winter Commencement, scheduled at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 3, in the Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center.

Traditionally, distinguished alumni are invited to speak at Winter Commencement, which recognizes students who complete their degree requirements in August and December.

Attendance at graduation is voluntary. Seating for the ceremony is on a first-come, first-served basis. Each graduating student is entitled to a maximum of 6 guest tickets, which will be available from Dec. 8-12 at the UD Student Services Building.

A native of Wilmington, Harra earned his bachelor's degree in accounting at UD in 1971 and joined Wilmington Trust the same year. He served in numerous areas of the bank before being named vice president in 1981 and commercial loan division manager in 1983. In 1984, he was made senior vice president of the Retail Banking Department and promoted to executive vice president in 1992. He was named president in 1996.

Harra is an active community leader who has been president of the Delaware Bankers Association. Currently, he serves on the State of Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council and the State of Delaware Council on Banking, in addition to several boards, such as the Grand Opera House, Delaware Community Foundation, Delaware Development Corp. and Neighborhood House of South Wilmington.

A dedicated alumnus, he has been president, vice president and treasurer of the UD Alumni Assn., and in 1992, he received the group's Outstanding Alumnus Award.

In 1996, he and his wife, Linda, HN '71, created an endowed scholarship to benefit students in the College of Health and Nursing Sciences.

For additional information on Winter Commencement activities, including handicapped accommodations, contact the Office of Alumni and University Relations at 831-8741.