Michael Christensen, BFA 1970 School of Drama

Michael is co-founder of The Big Apple Circus, a not-for-profit performing arts institution committed to kids and their families, and founder and Director of its internationally acclaimed "Clown Care Unit," which brings laughter and joy to the bedsides of acutely and chronically ill children. This is just the tip of the iceberg for an impressive cadre of programs instituted and managed by Christensen and his partners, taking the magic of circus outside the ring to children in need. A native of Walla-Walla, Michael graduated from the School of Drama's Professional Actor Training program, where he also returns to teach Master classes in Clowning and Comedy. He and his wife, Karyn, live in Bangor, PA and have two daughters, Ivy and Kila.

Tess Gallagher, MA 1971 Department of English

Poet, essayist, novelist, and playwright, Tess is a native Washingtonian from Port Angeles. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Masters of Arts in English from the University of Washington, where she studied creative writing with Theodore Roethke before going on to earn a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Iowa. Recipient of numerous national literary awards and distinguished teaching positions, Gallagher has authored many books of poems, essays and short stories, in addition to co-authoring two screenplays with her late husband, Raymond Carver.

Isiah M. Warner, PhD 1977 Department of Chemistry

Raised by his grandmother during a time of enforced segregation in Louisiana, Isiah Warner succeeded in becoming a true scholar, an outstanding teacher, and a leader par excellence. His impact on his students' success in general is legendary, but his impact on under-represented students in the sciences has been truly extraordinary. Because of his leadership on the faculty at Louisiana State University, where he previously served as Chair of the Chemistry Department and now serves as Vice Chancellor for Strategic Directions, LSU has become recognized internationally as the number one educator of African Americans with PhDs in chemistry. In recognition of his scholarship, he was elected as a Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2003.

Saad Eddin Ibrahim, PhD 1968 Department of Sociology

Distinguished Egyptian sociologist and advocate for human rights and democracy in the Middle East, Dr. Ibrahim is the recipient of many awards and major recognition by international and scientific organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Sociological Association. His long list of books and articles (in English and Arabic) address the most important and sensitive issues confronting Arab societies today. In addition to his position as professor of sociology at the American University in Cairo, Saad Eddin is the founding director of the Ibn Khaldun Centre for Development Studies, which has been the leading center for sociological research on democracy and human rights in the region. Beyond his academic role, he is a public intellectual whose writings and speeches have been influential far beyond the Middle East.