Continuing in the tradition created in 2004, each honorary degree recipient will speak at the 2009 Commencement ceremonies.

Five honorary degree recipients will speak at the College's 143rd Commencement: actress Geena Davis, educator the Rev. Robert M. Franklin Jr., biomechanics researcher Mimi A.R. Koehl, Maine philanthropist Ralph T. Perry '51, and columnist and CNN host Fareed Zakaria.