Commencement activities for the Unity College Class of 2015 will take place May 9 on campus, featuring author Terry Tempest Williams as keynote speaker.

Williams will send forth a graduating class of approximately 120 students in this, Unity’s 50th anniversary year. More celebrations are planned for summer to commemorate the anniversary.

Williams – a naturalist, free-speech advocate and “citizen writer” who has consistently shown how environmental issues are social issues that ultimately become matters of justice –  has testified before Congress on women’s health issues, been a guest at the White House, has camped in the remote regions of Utah and Alaska wildernesses and worked as “a barefoot artist” in Rwanda.

Known for her impassioned and lyrical prose, Williams is author of the environmental literature classic, “Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place;” as well as “An Unspoken Hunger:  Stories from the Field;” “Desert Quartet;” “Leap;” “Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert;” “The Open Space of Democracy;” and “Finding Beauty in a Broken World.” She is also a columnist for the magazine The Progressive.

“We are honored and thrilled Terry Tempest Williams will address our graduating class,” said Unity College President Dr. Stephen Mulkey. “She is someone who has used her gift with words to power a new generation of leaders in land conservation. I’m sure our graduates will find her talk inspiring as the mantle of environmentalism is passed to them.”

Commencement activities include:

Thursday, May 7

• 11 a.m.: Senior BBQ/Award Presentation for all graduate candidates, their families and friends, employees, and media. The location is in the tent next to the gym. Award presentations anticipated to begin around 12:15.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend the barbecue.
• 12:30 (approx.): Marching rehearsal in the gym for seniors.
• 7 p.m.: Evening performance by Adam Scott. More details are on the UCCPA website.

Saturday, May 9

• 11 a.m.: Gathering for guests of graduate candidates, light refreshments in the tent adjacent to the gym.
• Noon: Gym doors open
• 1 p.m.: Commencement ceremony (approximately 90 minutes)
• 2:30 p.m.: reception in the tent.

On Saturday, parking is available in most places on campus; however, it is preferable for graduates’ guests to park near the gym. No parking will be available behind the Student Activities Building.