By Michelle Hines, University Relations
Contact: 336-334-5371
Posted 4-21-11
GREENSBORO, NC – Thomas S. Haggai, business executive and motivational speaker, will give the spring commencement address.
UNCG’s commencement ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Friday, May 6, in the Greensboro Coliseum. Approximately 2,600 students are expected to graduate. 
Haggai, who will also receive an honorary degree at commencement, has been the chief executive officer and president of IGA, Inc. since 1986. He also serves as a director of Davids Limited, Australia, and has served as a director of Super Food Services, Inc. since 1971. He has been a lecturer, author and radio commentator since 1976.
In 1963, Haggai founded the THA (Thomas Haggai and Associates) Foundation with 250 national business and professional leaders. The Foundation awards college scholarships to non-traditional students returning to school to earn certification as elementary school teachers. The Foundation has awarded more than 800 scholarships amounting to over $2 million. In 2001, he received the first Thomas S. Haggai Award established by IGA to honor individuals who exemplify character, leadership and community service.
THA has been providing annual scholarship support to UNCG’s School of Education since 2001, giving $60,000 annually since 2005. The Foundation has invested a total of $565,000 at UNCG to support older students studying to be elementary school teachers.
Zimuzor Ugochukwu will speak for the Class of 2011. Ogochukwu will visit Asia as a Luce Scholar after graduation.
Faculty Marshal and mace bearer is Dr. Daniel Winkler. Chief Student Marshal is Katie Skawski.
Tassel Turner is Michael Tuso.
Mary Katsikas, who majored in chemistry at Woman’s College and who has worked in the chemistry department since then, will represent the Class of 1961 as alumni bell ringer. Sabrina Epps will ring the bell for the Class of 2011.
Watch commencement live on the web at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/may-graduation.
