OSKALOOSA, IOWA, 9 SEPTEMBER 2008 - Each academic semester at William Penn University begins with the tradition of a convocation that brings the campus community together in a time of reunion and celebration. The university has much to celebrate this year, with the opening of two new buildings and the launching of several new academic programs.

The 2008 fall convocation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, at 11 a.m. in the George Daily Auditorium, and the community is encouraged to attend.

Following brief remarks and introductions from Dr. Richard Sours, president of the university, the Penn Singers will perform "How Can I Keep From Singing?" under the direction of Anita Meinert, who leads the vocal music department at Penn.

The keynote speaker will be Ray Clark, president of The Clark Group, a consortium of senior level policy, communications, and science professionals who have worked at the highest levels of government, including the White House and Capitol Hill. The Clark Group provides a wide range of services, including environmental solutions, environmental impact assessment and policy development, and strategic government relations. Clark’s speech is entitled, “Change is inevitable, not a philosophy.”

            Ray Clark is one of the nation’s foremost authorities on the National Environmental Policy Act. His expertise includes environmental analysis and developing national environmental policy. He has been a senior policy analyst for the White House Council on Environmental Quality and served as Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acting). Clark received the Exceptional Public Service Award from the Secretary of the Army—the highest civilian honor the Secretary can bestow. Since 1987, he has served as adjunct faculty in environmental policy at Duke University, where he earned a master’s degree in environmental management.

The Clark Group focuses its lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill exclusively on projects that produce environmental benefits. In doing so, the firm has developed significant expertise and has earned a reputation for excellence.

The presentation by Ray Clark will be an important part of the leadership training William Penn students receive, providing insight on environmental issues and their impact on the world. As this year’s convocation speaker, Ray Clark will raise awareness of those issues for Penn students and the community.

            Fo more information about Ray Clark or the convocation, please contact the university public relations office.