350 receive degrees from Hood College

May 20, 2000

FREDERICK, Md. - Three hundred and fifty students were awarded degrees here Saturday during commencement ceremonies at Hood College.

U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, the commencement speaker, was presented with an honorary doctor of laws degree by college President Shirley D. Peterson.

Peterson presented bachelor's degrees to 181 undergraduates and master's degrees to 169 graduate students.

Members of the graduating class came from 13 states and 10 countries. Sixty-eight graduates were Brodbeck Scholars, students who were 23 or older when they enrolled at Hood.

Twila J. Cheung of Hagerstown was awarded the Hood College Academic Achievement Prize, presented to the graduating senior with the best academic record.

Virginia Sparks of Mountaintop, Pa., president of the senior class, announced a senior class gift of more than $7,500 for Hood's Brodbeck Music Hall.

Two faculty members who are retiring this academic year were awarded emeritus status. They are Gerald McKnight of Frederick, professor of history and chair of the department of history and political science, and Bonnie Newman of Frederick, professor of physical education and chair of the department of physical education.

Before the conferring of degrees, Peterson asked for a moment of silence in memory of Tom Samet, Hood's vice president for academic affairs, dean of the faculty and professor of English. Samet, who died Feb. 27 of brain cancer, was instrumental in helping to strengthen Hood's emphasis on the liberal arts.

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