Thursday, March 03, 2011
Spring graduation information released
Brad Ellsworth
The trustees also approved the presentation of honorary degrees to four individuals who have led productive lives and have a close connection to the University. Brad Ellsworth, a 1981 USI alumnus and former 8th district Congressman, will deliver the commencement address and will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree. Ellsworth has demonstrated a career-long commitment to southwest Indiana citizens, protecting their rights and their lives. Before being elected sheriff for Vanderburgh County, Ellsworth served for 23 years in the Sheriff's Office, holding every merit rank. He was elected to the U.S. Congress in 2007. After graduating from USI, Ellsworth earned a Master of Science degree in criminology from Indiana State University. Honorary degrees also will be awarded to Dr. and Mrs. George F. Rapp of Indianapolis and Mrs. Harolyn G. Torain of Indianapolis. Dr. Rapp is a respected orthopedic surgeon and inventor and his wife, Margaret M. "Peggy" Rapp, is a former educator and community volunteer. Both long-time friends and supporters of Historic New Harmony, the Rapps are donors to and patrons of the New Harmony Theatre, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, and USI Society for Arts and Humanities. They have contributed to the Schnee-Ribeyre-Elliott House renovation and support scholarships for students. Dr. Rapp will receive a Doctor of Science honorary degree and Mrs. Rapp will be awarded a Doctor of Laws honorary degree. Torain was a member of USI's first graduating class in 1971. She served for 32 years in school administration in Marion County before retirement. Appointed to the USI Board of Trustees in 1990 by Indiana Governor Evan Bayh, Torain was a trustee for 16 years, the first African American and the first woman to serve as chair, from 1997 to 1999. She holds a Master of Science degree from Indiana University, where she also completed post-graduate studies in secondary administration. Active in church ministries, Torain has been on missionary trips to Okinawa and Guatemala. |
Copyright © 2013 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
