Press Release

Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff addresses Class of 2009

Contact:
Gwen O’Brien
Director of Media Relations
Saint Mary's College
(574) 284-4579

May 18, 2009 (Notre Dame, Ind.)– Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff offered  words of encouragement to graduating seniors during her address at Saint Mary's College's 162nd Commencement on Saturday. She told the 340 graduates at this all-women's Catholic college, "You are in a position to break through the remaining glass ceilings out there....we in the older generation are counting on you to bring your energy, your intelligence, and your caring about your fellow human beings, to the nation that's given you so much -- and to the world that awaits your contribution." Click here to watch her remarks.

Woodruff is a graduate of Duke University and has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC, and PBS. Woodruff is currently a senior correspondent for "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer."

Valedictorian Courtney Parry of Michigan City, Indiana, a mathematics and economics double major, also addressed the students: "Your experience at Saint Mary’s has been informative, formative, and transformative – and the transformation you have experienced has prepared you to go out into the world and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you."

Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered on the green in front of Le Mans Hall to watch graduates celebrate the culmination of four years of study. The graduates have conducted and presented research, led student government, and traveled to places like Rome, Spain, and India for study abroad opportunities. Now they’re ready to start their careers in fields that include social work, nursing, chemistry, teaching, music and art.

Here are some factoids about Saint Mary’s Class of 2009:
o        42% participated in study abroad opportunities
o        69% reported actively participating in service opportunities
o        8% reported they’ll go into service programs after graduation
o        33 states are represented in the class

About Saint Mary’s College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, women’s institution offering bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 major areas of study. The College has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry and nursing. Saint Mary's College ranks among the nation's top liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report's 2009 annual survey. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s is a pioneer in the education of women, and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.