April 23, 2007 Laurel, Maryland

Peter Franchot, Comptroller of the State of Maryland, will address the Class of 2007 as the keynote speaker at Capitol College's commencement on Saturday, May 12.

Franchot was elected Maryland's 33rd Comptroller last November. Prior to his election to statewide office, he served 20 years in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the residents of Silver Spring and Takoma Park.

During his time in the House of Delegates, Franchot was a member of the Appropriations Committee and chaired the Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee. Through his career, he has been a strong advocate for education, health care, transportation and environmental protection initiatives.

In his role as Comptroller, Franchot has pledged to be a fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers of Maryland and an independent voice on the powerful, three-member Board of Public Works, which approves millions of dollars in state contracts each year. He is committed to helping keep Maryland competitive in the knowledge-based economy, assisting working families and protecting the state's natural resources.

Franchot graduated from Amherst College in 1973 and Northeastern School of Law in 1978. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970.

The commencement procession will begin at 9:45 a.m. The on-campus event will take place outside regardless of weather. Students planning to attend the ceremony can pick up their caps and gowns now in the Office of Registration and Records. They will also be available the morning of graduation.

Information for students and their families can be found in a special commencement section of the website through the Office of Registration and Records.

On the day of commencement, graduating students should check in between 8 to 8:20 a.m., and must report to the Avrum Gudelsky Memorial Auditorium by 8:20.

Other important information about commencement:

• Guests should arrive by 9 a.m. for best parking and seats.
• Parking is available on campus. Further directions will be provided once guests and students arrive.
• No tickets are necessary; students can invite as many guests as they want.
• The ceremony will last approximately two hours. A reception will follow in the Campus Center.
• The campus bookstore will be open until about noon.