Holliday, Lane, Hornsby Put Art And Sciences Center Stage
At Convocation
Bruce Hornsby is known for his musical versatility,
but the afternoon concert he gave at Washington College during Washington's
Birthday Convocation in February may have been the first time the performer
ever jammed with a brass quintet. It was also the first time Washington
College bestowed an honorary degree upon a pop music icon wearing jeans
and a flannel shirt.
Throughout the hour-long concert, Hornsby lightened the formal occasion
of academic processions and honorary degree citations with familiar chatter
and some fine musicianship. True to form, he took requests, and he played
something for everyone-old standards, love ballads, a Jerry Garcia |
tune, and "Spider Fingers," a song about piano technique off his "Hot House" CD.
More in keeping with academic tradition, the College also honored two
outstanding men in the sciences. Charles O. Holliday, president and chief
executive officer of the DuPont Company, and Neal Lane, director of the
National Science Foundation, were both presented with honorary Doctor of
Science degrees.
Charles Holliday, representing a global organization with long ties to
Washington College, was recognized for his leadership in keeping the DuPont
Company at the forefront of science and technology. A 28-year veteran of
DuPont, Holliday has been involved in product development, business analysis,
and global marketing of Kevlar |
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| and Nomex, two synthetic fibers used in bullet-proof vests and
fire protective gear, among other things. Holliday also was cited for his
company's commitment to environmental stewardship. The DuPont Com-pany's
conservation programs encompass more than 17,000 acres, with wildlife habitat
programs at 23 sites around the world. In Kent County, MD, DuPont recently
donated a 3,300-acre easement to preserve its Chesapeake Farms property
in Fairlee as open space.
Neal Lane, who just the week before had been tapped by President Clinton
as his top adviser for science and technology, was cited for his achievements
Chad Holliday (left) noted DuPont's global endeavors to leave "a
small footprint on the environment." Neal Lane recalled that even George
Washington urged government support of science.
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Three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby explains his "Spider Fingers"
technique to the Convocation crowd.
as a quantum physicist, as a teacher and academic leader at Rice University,
and as an innovative policymaker charting the nation's course in science
and technology advancement.
"I cannot emphasize enough what a crucial transition period this
is for academic science and engineering," Lane said. "We stand
on the verge of a new millennium filled with new discoveries in science
and engineering that will help power our nation in the future. Unfortunately,
many in the public do not understand science or appreciate the influence
of science and technology in their daily lives. That is why it is up to
all of us who value learning and discovery to step forward. We can send
a clear signal about how our work in research and education relates directly
to the challenges and concerns that face our society." |
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