Human Genome Institute Director to Speak at IMSA Graduation

For Immediate Release, May 2004
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

HUMAN GENOME INSTITUTE DIRECTOR TO SPEAK AT IMSA GRADUATION

AURORA-- The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) will graduate its 16th senior class at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the Paramount Arts Centre in Aurora. Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, will give the commencement address.

Local-area members of IMSA’s Class of 2004 include: (click here for list of 2004 IMSA graduates)

Nisha Wadhwani of Bourbonnais and John Jaeger of Minooka will be the student speakers. Diplomas and academic medallions will be presented to the 199-member class by Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, IMSA President, and Steven Isoye, Vice Chairman of the IMSA Board of Directors.

IMSA Principal Eric McLaren said the students are to be commended for their achievements. “Today we celebrate your contributions in the classroom, in our communities, and in the world around us,” McLaren said. “Today is also a day to thank you and your families for choosing IMSA, and for allowing us to take a part in shaping you, our ‘IMSA ambassadors’ to the world.”

Because of seating limitations, IMSA’s graduation ceremony is not open to the public. Following the ceremony, graduates and their families will join faculty and staff members for a reception on campus.

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) is an internationally- recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 17,000 teachers and 26,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from services of The Center@IMSA, the Academy unit that provides statewide professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research.