U.S. Surgeon General., Regina Benjamin to deliver commencement address at Spelman College

The United States Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, will deliver the commencement address to the Spelman College class of 2013 at the schools graduation ceremony scheduled to take place on May 19.

Ms. Benjamin will also be awarded an honorary degree.

“As an accomplished medical professional whose top concern is the health and wellness of the nation and American citizens abroad, Dr. Benjamin is an exemplary role model for Spelman students,” said President Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D, in a press statement. “Her passion and persistence in providing health care to those without access is inspiring, and so consistent with the values of Spelman College. We are delighted that she will address the graduating class as they go out into the world to pursue their own passions, and become the thought leaders and change agents they have been educated to become.”

In addition to Dr. Benjamin, honorary degrees will be bestowed upon Freeman Hrabowski, III, Ph.D., president of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and Harriet Mitchell Murphy, C’49, retired judge for the State of Texas. The Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery, civil rights advocate, will receive the National Community Service Award.