ALBANY, NY--(Marketwire - Apr 5, 2012) - James J. Gozzo, Ph.D., President of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, announced today that Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, will be the College's 2012 commencement speaker. This year's graduation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
"Ms. Kennedy will bring a global perspective to the ceremony at a time when more of our students than ever before are seeking out, and taking advantage of, the global opportunities available through the College," said Dr. Gozzo. "I have no doubt that her remarks will serve as an inspiration for not only our graduating class, but for all of those in attendance."
Ms. Kennedy started working in the field of human rights in 1981, when she investigated abuses committed by U.S. immigration officials against refugees from El Salvador. Since then, her life has been devoted to the pursuit of justice, to the promotion and protection of basic rights, and to the preservation of the rule of law. She established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights in 1988.
"I am delighted to join this year's graduates and their parents as they celebrate such a special milestone," said Ms. Kennedy. "Our world today is one of many challenges, but just as many opportunities, and I look forward to speaking with these talented young people about the future they will help create."
Ms. Kennedy is also Chair of the Amnesty International USA Leadership Council and serves on the boards of directors of Human Rights First, Inter-Press Service and the United States Institute for Peace. She received high honors from President Lech Walesa of Poland for aiding the Solidarity movement and is the recipient of many other prizes.
About Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private, independent institution committed to graduating the best health care minds in the world. In addition to its doctor of pharmacy program, ACPHS offers four bachelor's programs and five graduate programs in the health sciences. The College's main campus is located in Albany, New York; its satellite campus is in Colchester, Vermont. For more information, please visit www.acphs.edu.
Contact Information:
Gil Chorbajian
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Phone: 518-694-7394