ABC News Analyst Cokie Roberts to Deliver Marquette Commencement Address Released: April 6, 2005 Award-winning ABC News political analyst Cokie Roberts will deliver the Commencement address at Marquette University’s 124th annual ceremony on May 22, 2005.  More than 1,200 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students will receive their diplomas at the Bradley Center.  A Baccalaureate Mass and the Commencement ceremony will conclude a week of events dedicated to graduation on campus.  Media are welcome at all events. Baccalaureate Mass – Saturday, May 21 4:30 p.m. U.S. Cellular Arena, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. Marquette University Commencement – Sunday, May 22 9:30 a.m. Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th St. Cokie Roberts has had an illustrious career as a journalist and author.  She is currently a political commentator for ABC News and a senior news analyst for National Public Radio.  Ms. Roberts was the co-anchor of the ABC News’ Sunday morning broadcast, “This Week With Sam Donaldson & Cokie Roberts” from 1996 –2002, while also serving as the chief congressional analyst for ABC News.  She covered politics, Congress and public policy, reporting for “World News Tonight” and other ABC News broadcasts.  Along with her husband, Steven V. Roberts, Ms. Roberts writes a weekly column syndicated by United Media in major newspapers around the country. Her op-ed columns have appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post, and she has also written for The New York Times Magazine, USA Weekend Magazine and The Atlantic. Also a best-selling author, Ms. Roberts has earned many awards throughout her career including an Emmy for her ABC News Special “Who is Ross Perot?” and the Edward R. Murrow award, the highest honor in public radio. She was also the first broadcast journalist to receive the highly prestigious Everett McKinley Dirksen award for her coverage of Congress.  Ms. Roberts will also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Four individuals will be honored with an honorary degree from the university at the May 22 commencement ceremony: Rev. George Coyne, S.J., a Jesuit priest and astronomer, is the director of the Vatican Observatory, one of the world’s oldest astronomical research institutions, and head of the Observatory’s research group which is based at the University of Arizona in Tucson.  As the director of the Vatican Observatory, he has been a driving force in several new educational and research initiatives.  He spends five months a year in Tucson as an adjunct professor in the University of Arizona astronomy department.  Father Coyne will receive an honorary doctor of science degree. The Honorable Jerry Kleczka represented the state of Wisconsin in a public role from 1969 until his recent retirement in 2004.  For over 20 years, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin’s 4th District.  Prior to that, he was a member of Wisconsin State Assembly and State Senate from 1969 until 1984.  Congressman Kleczka has been a champion for Marquette University.  He received the Founders Award from the Les Aspin Center for Government in Washington D.C. for his active participation in the center’s activities since its inception.  Through his generosity, Marquette has established a program that will allow a new generation of aspiring public servants to participate in the policy making process known as the Kleczka Internship Program.  Under the auspices of the Les Aspin Center for Government, students will be placed in positions that allow them to study state and local government while pursuing their studies in Milwaukee starting this summer.  Congressman Kleczka will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Richard Teerlink, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based and internationally renowned Harley-Davidson, led the company’s remarkable turnaround in the 1980s.  During his 18 years with Harley, he served as chief financial officer, president, chief executive officer, and chairman of the board. Prior to Harley-Davidson, he held key executive positions with Herman Miller, RTE Corporation, Union Special Corporation, and MGD Graphic Systems.  A hallmark of Mr. Teerlink’s successful career is his commitment to leadership development, and his philosophy that people are an organization’s most important sustainable resource.  He has been a champion and advocate for Marquette’s College of Professional Studies.  He currently serves on the boards of directors of Johnson Controls and Snap-on Inc.  Mr. Teerlink will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree. Dr. Isiah Warner is vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and Boyd Professor and Philip W. West professor of analytical and environmental chemistry at Louisiana State University.  Dr. Warner’s research focuses on analytical chemistry including the development and application of new methods for analytical measurements.  Throughout his career, Dr. Warner has been instrumental in mentoring minority students.  His work has been published and presented extensively and he has served on many national committees, advisory panels and professional boards. Dr. Warner has received numerous awards and honors, including a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.  In 1988, he was the Dr. Ralph H. Metcalfe senior chair at Marquette University.  He will receive an honorary doctor of science degree. Office of Public Affairs Contacts Brigid O'Brien Miller Director of University Communication Phone: (414) 288-7445 Send e-mail Anne Broeker Sr. Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail