U.S. Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Former Law Dean to Speak at Loyola University New Orleans Commencements; Photo Available

5/10/2004

From: Angela Anthony or Kristine Lelong, 504-861-5882 or publaff@loyno.edu, 504-884-1208 (Kristene Lelong's cell), both of Loyola University New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, May 10 -- Loyola University New Orleans 93rd commencement will provide a venue for the university community to pay homage to notable artistic and political leaders and their contributions to their respective fields. More than 1,250 students will receive undergraduate, graduate, and law degrees. All ceremonies take place in the Marquette Horseshoe on Loyola's Uptown campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave.

Marcel Garsaud, A54, L'59, former law dean and current professor, will receive an honorary doctor of laws degree and give the commencement address at the School of Law commencement ceremony on Friday, May 14, at 7 p.m. The citation for the honorary degree reads, "Academic excellence, the quiet pursuit of faith and justice, and a commitment to service exemplify the legal career of Professor Emeritus of Law, Marcel Garsaud, Jr."

After graduating from Loyola School of Law, Garsaud practiced law in the private sector with Standard Oil Company. In 1967, he completed his education with a graduate degree in law from Yale University. Garsaud's distinguished teaching and administrative career at Loyola began in 1963. He was then and still is one of the most respected members of this faculty. As dean from 1970-82, he led Loyola's ascent in the ranks of national law schools. Under his leadership, a new building was constructed to house the law program on the main campus. He recruited a superb faculty that shared his commitment to academic excellence, justice, and service. As a result, the quality of the student body continued to improve and the reputation of the law school continued to grow. For more than 40 years he has served Loyola generously and well.

The Hon. John Breaux, U.S. Senator (D-La.) will receive an honorary degree and give commencement remarks at the College of Arts and Sciences Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 15, at 9 a.m. Internationally renowned sculptor Lin Emery also will receive an honorary degree.

Breaux began his political career in the House of Representatives in 1972 at the age of 28. At the time of his election, he was the youngest member in the U.S. Congress. He represented the 7th District of Louisiana for 14 years before filling the seat in the U. S. Senate vacated by Russell Long in 1986. In 1998, Breaux was re-elected to a third term in the U.S. Senate, receiving an endorsement from every major newspaper in the state. Breaux's mainstream approach to government has earned him praise from conservatives, liberals and moderates across the state. He has been a leader on critical issues facing Louisiana, strongly supporting the agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism industries. Breaux has balanced a strong economic agenda with environmental action to secure funds to preserve America's wetlands. He is a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana and the LSU School of Law in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu will deliver the commencement remarks at the College of Music, College of Business Administration, and City College Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 15, at 7 p.m. Metropolitan Opera star Charles Anthony, M'51, will receive an honorary degree. Charles Anthony, M'51, was recently honored at the New York Metropolitan Opera as "The Soul of the Opera," for his 50 years of tenure as a tenor.

Landrieu is a 1985 graduate of Loyola School of Law. His 2003 run for lieutenant governor was his first bid for statewide public office. In 1987, he was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives where he served for 16 years in the seat previously held by his sister, U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and his father, Moon. As a state representative, Landrieu was responsible for a number of meaningful reforms in a variety of areas. He led the legislative effort to reform Louisianan's juvenile justice system with a focus on rehabilitation. Landrieu led the effort by a coalition of artists, venue owners, and other interested parties who were successful in repealing the Orleans Parish "amusement tax," a 2 percent tax on gross sales at any establishment that features live music. Landrieu also crafted legislation to fund the Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium of New Orleans, a partnership between the LSU and Tulane health sciences centers. He has been a practicing attorney for 15 years and is the fifth of Moon and Verna Landrieu's nine children. After graduating from Jesuit High School in 1978, he received a degree in political science and theatre from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Editors: A high-resolution photograph supporting this news release is available at http://www.wirepix.com/newsphotos/