Above / During the annual Cornerstone Day Picnic at North Central College on May 20, Dr. Herman White and his wife, Peggy, were looking forward to his giving the commencement address on May 22 at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Naperville resident Dr. Herman B. White, Jr., will present the keynote address for the Mount Mercy University’s 2016 commencement ceremony at 1PM Sun., May 22, at the US Cellular Center in downtown Cedar Rapids. He also will be recognized with an honorary doctorate.
A prolific scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory for more than 41 years, White is being honored for his contributions and research efforts regarding “the KTeV experiment and the establishment of a new kind of interaction distinguishing matter from antimatter, as well as his outstanding public service and mentorship roles.”
With a passion to improve the health and education of people throughout the world, White serves on the international advisory committee and faculty of the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications and, since 1998, on the board of the nonprofit Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science in Chicago.
He also served a ten-year term on the Board of Directors for Edward Health Services Corporation as well as 15 years on the Quality Committee of the Board.
Since 1999, White has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at North Central College where he also has been an adjunct professor for 22 years.
White is a Ph.D. in particle physics and studied at Earlham College, Michigan State University, Yale University and Florida State University.
Making Connections at Cornerstone Day Picnic
Friday White attended the annual Cornerstone Day Picnic that commemorates North Central College’s 1870 move from Plainfield to Naperville and the laying of the cornerstone for Old Main.  He mentioned he was looking forward to delivering Sunday’s commencement address and meeting up with a longtime friend.
“Laurie Hamen was previously vice president for enrollment management, athletics and student affairs at North Central. For the last couple years she’s been president of Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids and she asked me,” White said.
“I’ve delivered commencement addresses before,” he added. “But this is the first time I’ve ever been honored with an honorary doctorate.”
Find more information about commencement at Mount Mercy University.
FYI: North Central College will host its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2016 beginning at 10AM, Sat., June 11, in the Residence Hall/Recreation Center.
—PN
