NYU's Commencement Speakers are Chosen

For Immediate Release: Monday, April 30, 2001Contact: John Beckman 212-998-6848, [email protected]

NYU'S COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS ARE CHOSEN

Oscar-winning Director Ang Lee and Educator Ruth Simmons To Speak at NYU's 169th Commencement

New York University President L. Jay Oliva and Board of Trustees Chairman Martin Lipton today announced that Ang Lee - an NYU alumnus, Academy Award winner, and director of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Ice Storm - and Ruth Simmons - president of Smith College and president-elect of Brown University - will deliver remarks at the University's 169th Commencement Exercises, to be held Thursday, May 10th, in Washington Square Park.

Mr. Lee will, who receive a Doctor of Fine Arts degree, honoris causa, will offer "A Response on Behalf of the Honorary Degree Recipients," an NYU tradition. Dr. Simmons, who will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, will make commencement remarks.

This year's other recipients of honorary doctorates are:

Richard Grasso, chairman and CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, who will receive a Doctor of Commerce degree

Cynthia Ozick, writer and NYU alumna, who will receive a Doctor of Letters degree

Graham Zellick, vice-chancellor and president of the University of London, who will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

# # #