AUSTIN St. Edward's University officials conferred approximately 370 degrees and awarded the Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza, bishop of Galveston-Houston, an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during spring commencement. The universitys 114th commencement was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 13, at the Frank Erwin Center, 1701 Red River in Austin. Attached are the spring 2000 graduates listed by their respective degrees and hometowns.

Fiorenza was recognized for his dedication and leadership within the Catholic community. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in Beaumont and was ordained in 1954 at St. Marys Seminary in LaPorte. Fiorenza was named bishop of Galveston-Houston by Pope John Paul II in December 1983 and was installed to the position in February 1985. He serves as president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops for the 1998-2001 term, and is president of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities. He also is a member of the St. Thomas University Board of Trustees in Houston.

St. Edwards University officials conferred approximately 370 degrees this spring. Degree distribution is as follows:

• Traditional undergraduates                  205

• New College undergraduates                  89

• MBA                                                    56

• MAHS                                                  20

   Total                                                                  370

Jamie Wagner of Hallettsville, TX, is St. Edward's University's valedictorian.

St. Edward's University is an independent, Catholic liberal arts university of 3,700 students in Austin. It was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross.