* Franklin, born in Oklahoma in 1915, earned his doctorate at Harvard University. During the course of his career, he has served in a number of distinguished academic positions, including that of Pitt Professor of American History at Cambridge University, and is now the James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of History at Duke University. He is the author of numerous publications, including the landmark "From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans," now in its seventh edition. In 1995, Franklin was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Clinton, the highest honor an American civilian can receive. Franklin has also been called upon for important roles of civic leadership, including his recent past service as chairman of the advisory board of One America: The President’s Initiative on Race. Earlier this year, Franklin was the subject of a multi-part series of interviews about his life on UNC-TV.

* Daniels, who achieved outstanding success as an advertising industry executive, now serves as chair, president and chief executive officer of the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Fla. At age 24, she founded her own advertising agency, rising through the ranks of the industry to become president of the national firm Draper Daniels. She organized a fund-raising drive in 1983 that led to the creation of the $21 million Philharmonic Center, which opened in 1989. Daniels also founded the Naples Museum of Art, a subsidiary of the Philharmonic Center.

* Key grew up in Raleigh but has lived in Western North Carolina for most of her adult life. She was the guiding force in the creation of the Lewis Rathburn Center, an innovative facility providing a caring and supportive residential environment in Asheville for serious illness. She also inspired the creation of UNCA’s Key Center for Service Learning, which is named in her honor. Key served two terms on UNCA’s Foundation Board, is currently chair of Western Carolina’s Board of Trustees, and has served on Warren Wilson’s Board of Trustees. In 1999, Key was presented the UNCA Chancellor’s Medallion, one of the most distinguished honors the university can bestow.

Commencement activities will begin with a breakfast on the Quadrangle for graduates and their families at 8 a.m.  The classes of 1951, 1966 and 1976 will hold their reunions later that day and will lead the graduating class in the procession. Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments will be served on the Quadrangle.

For more information about UNC Asheville’s Commencement, call the Office of Academic Affairs at 828/251-6470.