Dr. Harold “Hal” R. Wilde, President Emeritus and Life Trustee of North Central College, will deliver the address at the College’s 150th Commencement on June 13 at the College’s 150th Commencement on June 13.
Wilde, of Chicago, served as North Central’s ninth president, from 1991 to 2012. The 2015 class of graduating seniors spent their first full year as students during Wilde’s final year as president.
During Wilde’s tenure, the College saw a tenfold increase in its endowment, continuous balanced budgets and 100 percent growth in full-time undergraduate enrollments. Under his leadership the College implemented its first comprehensive new curriculum in 30 years and broadened its commitment to international programming, service-learning, interdisciplinary studies and sustainability initiatives.
Wilde’s legacy will always be the nurturing of great teaching and student achievement, strong visions for enrollment and student life, and transformation of the campus with modern facilities, including Wentz Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center and Residence Hall/Recreation Center.
Wilde received his undergraduate degree with high honors from Amherst College and a Ph.D. in government from Harvard University. A native of Wisconsin, he served years in Wisconsin state government, including four as insurance commissioner. He was special assistant to the president of the University of Wisconsin System and vice president for external relations at Beloit College, where he served before being named North Central College’s president.
During the Commencement ceremony, Wilde will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from North Central College.
In addition, Dr. R. Devadoss Pandian, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters. Pandian retires from North Central College in June after serving on the faculty for 30 years and as dean of faculty for 20 years.
150th Commencement / 10AM Saturday, June 13
The Commencement ceremony at 10AM Saturday, June 13, is expected to draw more than 5,000 parents, alumni and visitors to North Central College’s Residence Hall/Recreation Center, 440 S. Brainard St.
Tickets are not required but seating is on a first-come, first-served basis so guests are encouraged to arrive early; doors open at 8:30AM for guest seating. The academic procession begins at 9:40AM. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/
