Jones to speak at commencement

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by Hemmy So

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Anita K. Jones, director of defense research and engineering at the U.S. Department of Defense, will give the commencement address on May 11.

As director, she is responsible for the management of science and technology programs for the Defense Department. She also oversees in-house laboratories, university research initiatives and the Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Jones is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a 1964 Rice graduate.

"It is most fitting that a Rice graduate of such high standing will be our commencement speaker," President Malcolm Gillis said. "Dr. Jones has long been a trailblazer in academia. She is also a much-honored public servant and seasoned business leader."

Carl MacDowell, assistant to the president and provost said, "As we looked at possibilites, we were fortunate to have her as a speaker. President Gillis thought she would have a great message."

Jones' past governmental positions include advisory positions with the Defense Science Board, the National Reserch Council and National Academy of Sciences.

Jones has also served as a professor and the chair of the Computer Science Department at the University of Virginia.

"She exemplifies what we would hope to see all Rice alums achieve," MacDowell said. "She has achieved a great deal as a female scientist."

Rice's graduation speakers are chosen on the basis of recommendations made by a student committee.

After all of the committee's choices declined to speak at commencement, Meg Greenfield, a Newsweek columnist, agreed to speak at Gillis' invitation. She recently informed the university that she would be unable to speak due to health reasons; Jones is speaking in her place.

This item appeared in the News section of the April 19, 1996 issue.

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