TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. John Blackburn, long-time University of Alabama administrator, will be the featured speaker for UA’s spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 13 at Coleman Coliseum on campus.

Two University-wide commencement ceremonies will be held this year, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, to award degrees. Blackburn, who will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters, will speak at both ceremonies.

All ceremonies will be broadcast live over the Internet. Those who wish to view the ceremonies on the Internet can go to the main UA web page at http://www.ua.edu/ to find the Web cast link. The Web cast will require the free Windows Media Player and a broadband connection.

U.S. Rep. Spencer Bacchus of Alabama will speak at the UA School of Law’s graduation ceremony May 13 at 5 p.m., also in the Coliseum.

Blackburn began his career at UA in 1956. As dean of students in 1963, his dedication to progress and meticulous planning were credited as key elements in the historic peaceful integration of African-Americans into the Capstone.

Blackburn served as vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Denver and returned to UA in 1978 as vice president for educational development. Over the next 12 years he helped to raise more than $30 million dollars for the Capstone.

The Blackburn Institute for Student Leadership is named for him, and he is responsible for the creation of Mallet Assembly.

Retired from the University, Blackburn is now a higher education consultant based in Tuscaloosa.