Baccalaureate: Navy Chaplain

This year's Baccalaureate speaker will be Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, Chief of Navy Chaplains, U.S. Navy. A native of Baltimore, he received a masters degree in Divinity, Counseling, and Management at Andrews Theological Seminary, Berrien Springs, MI; a Doctorate in Ministry at Eastern Baptist Seminary in Lancaster, and a Ph.D. in Psychology at U.S. International University in San Diego.

Commissioned as a Navy Chaplain in 1976, his first duty station was the Fleet Religious Support Activity in Norfolk. He has been stationed throughout the U.S. and Japan and is currently the Chief of Navy Chaplains in Washington, D.C.

Rear Admiral Black's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit awards, campaign and service medals. He was also selected from 127 nominees for the 1995 NAACP Renowned Service Award for his contribution to equal opportunity and civil rights.

"The Penn Baccalaureate ceremony aspires to reflect the religious diversity of our graduating class in readings and prayers from various traditions," said University Chaplain Reverend William Gipson. "It is an opportunity to reflect on the moral and civic responsibilities of those who are privileged to study and learn at a leading Ivy League school with an international, world-class profile. Rear Admiral Black's distinguished career and life's work make him an ideal choice."

The Baccalaureate Ceremony is Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 and 3 p.m., in Irvine Auditorium. It is an interfaith ceremony that includes music, readings, prayers, and the baccalaureate address. Two ceremonies are held in order to accommodate all who wish to attend. No tickets are required.