April 3, 2006—Juan Guzmán Tapia--the distinguished jurist who initiated a series of prosecutions that continue today against Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet--will deliver the 2006 Commencement address at Oberlin College on Memorial Day. More than 600 students are expected to receive degrees when Oberlin holds its 173rd Commencement at 9:30 a.m. on Tappan Square.

Some 5,000 visitors will converge on Oberlin Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29 for Commencement weekend. The program will feature class reunions, campus tours, concerts, recitals, theatrical performances, and tours of Oberlin's perennial gardens and historic homes--many free and open to the public, including the colorful and festive Campus Illumination Sunday evening, May 28, when Tappan Square is transformed into a sea of colored lanterns.

During the commencement exercises Judge Guzman will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Also receiving honorary degrees will be mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne, Martin Weisskopf '64, Chandra project scientist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and Franz Welser-Möst, music director of the Cleveland Orchestra.

In addition, Emeritus Professor of Eurhythmics and Music Education Herbert Henke '53 will receive the College's Alumni Medal, awarded in recognition of outstanding and sustained service to Oberlin College and its extended community.  

The 2006 recipient of Oberlin's annual award for distinguished service to the community will be Mrs. Richard R. Hallock '41, philanthropist and president of the Richard R. Hallock Foundation. Her husband established the foundation before his death in 1997, and his legacy of generosity to the college and the community lives on under her auspices.

Weekend highlights will include the Grand Piano Extravaganza (May 26), a concert by Oberlin a cappella groups the Obertones and Nothing But Treble (May 27), the musical The Falsettos (May 27 and 28), a baccalaureate address by civil rights pioneer Dr. Joseph Lowry (May 28); and performances by the Honors Wind Ensemble and the Oberlin Steel Drum Band (May 28).

A complete schedule of other weekend activities can be obtained by calling the Oberlin Alumni Association at 440-775-8692 Alumni.Office@oberlin.edu . The schedule also is online at www.oberlin.edu/colrelat/commencement/ .