Washington, DC  -  The President, the Board of Trustees, and the faculty of Paul Quinn College will bestow an honorary doctorate upon U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson during its 132nd commencement ceremony, Saturday May 8th.  During the college’s doctoral hooding ceremony Congresswoman Johnson will be honored for her lifetime of achievements, for her accomplishments as a lawmaker and as a pioneer for women and blacks, and for her contributions to Paul Quinn College, which is located in Dallas.

 

Congresswoman Johnson, who is currently serving in her sixth term representing the citizens of the Thirtieth Congressional District of Texas, will receive the Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Humane Letters.  Congresswoman Johnson said today that she was “profoundly humbled by the decision of Paul Quinn College” to bestow the doctoral hood upon her.  An honorary doctorate, honoris causa, is the highest award granted by Paul Quinn College, which will confer baccalaureate degrees upon this year’s graduating class.

 

Congresswoman Johnson became the first woman and the first African-American to ever represent the Dallas, Texas area in Congress when she was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1992.  Congresswoman Johnson is the immediate past chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, serving in the post during the 107th Congress. In 2001 Ebony magazine named Congresswoman Johnson as one of the ten most powerful black women. Congresswoman Johnson is the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Committee on Science Subcommittee on Research and Democratic Deputy Whip. In addition, she is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

 

A proponent of academic excellence, higher education and lifelong learning, the Texas lawmaker obtained her nursing preparation from St. Mary’s College at the University of Notre Dame. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Texas Christian University. She received a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Southern Methodist University. Her successful career in public service has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including honorary doctorates from Bishop College, Jarvis Christian College, Texas College, and Houston-Tillotson College.

The 132nd Commencement Ceremony for Paul Quinn College will be held tomorrow morning -- Saturday, May 8 -- at 11:00 a.m. in the Richard Allen Chapel, located at 3837 Simpson Stuart Road in Dallas, Texas.  The processional begins at 10:30 a.m. from the John Hurst Adams Building. The commencement ceremony will be webcast live at www.pqc.edu and a video DVD will be available from the office of Alumni Affairs. Established in 1872, Paul Quinn College is an independent undergraduate, coeducational, residential institution that is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

###