AMES, Iowa -- An estimated 1,625 students will receive degrees from Iowa State University during winter commencement events Dec. 15-16.
Robert Ray
The undergraduate ceremony is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in Hilton Coliseum, where 1,329 students are expected to receive bachelor's degrees. Former Gov. Robert Ray will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree from the university and give the commencement address.
The graduate commencement ceremony will be at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, in Stephens Auditorium, where 195 master's and 101 doctoral students will receive their degrees. Dr. James Bloedel, former vice provost for research and a professor in the departments of health and human performance and biomedical sciences, will address the graduate students.
An Iowa native, Ray earned degrees in business administration and law from Drake University and was an attorney in Des Moines for 14 years before embarking on his political career. He served five terms as governor of Iowa, from 1969 to 1983, and also served as president of the Council of State Governments. He was chairman of the National Governors' Association, Midwestern Governors' Association, Republican Governors' Association and Educational Commission of the States. He also served as a U.S. representative to the United Nations.
Bloedel joined Iowa State University in 2000 as vice provost for research and advanced studies. Since returning to the professorate in 2005, Bloedel continues to pursue research and teaching. As a neuroscientist, he was funded by the National Institutes of Health for 34 consecutive years, during which he received 26 grants, including a prestigious Javits Award. He has published more than 140 articles, reviews and books, and was elected to the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education in 2003.