FRED AND LENA MEIJER, MARY ANN KEELER AND LOCAL ATTORNEY EDWARD SMITH TO BE RECOGNIZED WITH HONORARY DEGREES. BRUCE COLE TO DELIVER THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS.

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Grand Rapids, Michigan (April 25, 2005) - Aquinas College will recognize community philanthropists Fred and Lena Meijer and Mary Ann Keeler for their lifelong contributions to the cultural arts in Grand Rapids during the College's upcoming Commencement ceremony. Also being recognized will be local labor attorney Edward "Ned" Smith, an Aquinas alumnus, who will be honored for his lifelong service to the community.

The four will receive their honorary degrees during the Aquinas College Commencement ceremony, which will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2005, beginning at 2 p.m. in the College Field House.

Building on a theme focused on the "arts," Aquinas invited Bruce Cole, Ph.D., the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities to deliver this year's Commencement Address. He will speak to the College's 340 attending graduates and their families on "Why Humanities Matter." Cole will also receive an honorary degree for his lifetime of work in the arts.