Romeo Dallaire Named as Commencement Speaker for Class of 2013

October 23, 2012

The Lewis & Clark College of Arts & Sciences Commencement Speaker on Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m., Griswold Stadium, will be Lieutenant-General Roméo Antonius Dallaire - Canadian senator, world citizen, humanitarian, author of Shake Hands with the Devil and retired general who served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.

Lieutenant-General Dallaire has a very special relationship with our community.  At the invitation of then undergraduate Michael Graham ‘06, he spoke at Lewis & Clark College on November 18, 2004, and became the first contributor to a scholarship that now bears his name. 

Since that time, due to the ongoing support of students, faculty, staff, Bon Appetit, Campus Living, the President’s office, alumni, neighbors, and friends, the College has enrolled seven scholars from Rwanda.  To honor Dallaire’s work and vision, preference is given to low-income students who demonstrate a dedication to promoting human rights in sub-Saharan Africa.

Senator Dallaire will be introduced at the Commencement ceremony by graduating senior Matthew Rugamba, International Affairs major from Kilgali, Rwanda.