Brown to award 9 honorary degrees at graduation

PROVIDENCE – Brown University will confer honorary degrees on three New Orleans-based university presidents during its 239th commencement exercises on May 27 in recognition of their determination and leadership following Hurricane Katrina.
The presidents are Scott Cowen of Tulane University, Norman Francis of Xavier University, and Marvalene Hughes of Dillard University, all of whom have had to lead their communities through rebuilding and recovery since the 2005 storm.
In addition, Brown plans to award honorary degrees to Dr. Stanley Aronson, founding dean of Brown’s medical school; ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman, a 1977 graduate; actress Kate Burton, a 1979 graduate; blues legend B.B. King; Nobel laureate Craig Mello, a 1982 graduate; and human rights activist Samantha Power.
Mello, who won the 2006 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine, will deliver the 2007 baccalaureate address, and several other honorary degree candidates will also speak during commencement weekend.