December 16 , 2005

Browne, Campbell honored at commencement ceremony

ASU’s fall commencement ceremony Dec. 15 included honorary degrees for the group chief executive of BP and the first woman prime minister of Canada.

ASU President Michael Crow conferred upon Lord John Browne, group chief executive of BP, one of the world’s largest energy companies, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions to the fields of engineering and business, his leadership in global energy issues and his commitment to environmental responsibility.

Crow also conferred upon the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, Canada’s former prime minister and the first woman prime minister of that country, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of her lifelong commitment to public service, the advancement of women and the promotion of democracy throughout the world.

Browne presented a keynote address during the ceremony that focused on sustainability. He called on individuals and corporations to take responsibility for the health of the planet.

“The science of climate change is incomplete, but what matters is the balance of evidence – human activity could de-stabilize the Earth,” he said, adding that population growth is also stressing the planet’s resources. “Sustainability appears to be in jeopardy. But I’m optimistic. I believe human history shows when confronted with challenges, humans find the answers.”

Browne encouraged those graduating to embrace the challenges and work toward global solutions to maintain a healthy and sustainable world.

At the ceremony, Crow encouraged the university’s 4,000 new graduates to work to advance democracy – and help sustain the planet, too.

Crow also thanked the teachers and families in the audience, as well as the ASU faculty, for their roles in guiding students through the college journey. He then congratulated the graduates themselves, saying, “There aren’t many people on this planet who have achieved what you have done.”

Students from the West, Polytechnic and Tempe campuses participated in the full university commencement at Wells Fargo Arena.

Four of these students were individually recognized for outstanding achievement.

Rachel Gemmill, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in special education, and Shannon Zollinger, who received her bachelor’s degree in policy science and history, were presented Moeur Awards from the ASU Alumni Association for graduating with perfect 4.0 grade-point averages. Both are from Phoenix.

Christine Wilkinson, senior vice president and secretary of the university, also recognized two outstanding students of the class who worked through challenges to earn their degrees. Elizabeth Plata, who received her master’s degree in nursing and public health, worked full time and raised a family while pursuing her college education. Bobby Turnbow overcame a devastating athletic injury in high school, worked his way back to health, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communication and psychology.