A noted expert in international studies, Dr. James L. Peacock, Kenan professor of anthropology and director of the University Center for International Studies, will deliver the keynote address at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s mid-winter commencement Dec. 20.

The 2 p.m. ceremony at the Dean E. Smith Center recognizes students who completed degrees in August or December. Students will wear caps and gowns, and doctoral and professional students will march across a stage to receive diplomas.

Peacock continues Carolina’s tradition of having faculty members speak at December commencement, a practice that began in 1994. Peacock, who has taught in UNC-CH’s anthropology department for 31 years, plans to discuss Carolina’s future role as an international university.

A past president of the American Anthropological Association -- the field’s top professional organization -- and the Society for Cultural Anthropology, Peacock is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His numerous accomplishments include honors such as the 1998 Faculty Service Award from the General Alumni Association, the Thomas Jefferson Award, the Employee Forum Community Award for Improvement in Faculty-Staff Relations and induction into the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Graduates: To date, 1,452 students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees have applied to graduate in December. Administrators anticipate awarding 652 bachelor’s, 506 master’s, 267 doctoral and 27 professional degrees.

Media kits/seating: Commencement information and an advance copy of Peacock’s speech will be available from Laura Toler of the News Services staff on the arena floor at the bottom of sections 123 or 124. There are no reserved seats; reporters may sit in the guest sections.

Broadcasters: Smith Center will provide a mult box for audio feeds. Call Mike McFarland of News Services (962-8593) by Friday if you have any special broadcast needs.

Parking: Media parking is available in the regular lots next to and adjacent Smith Center. Broadcasters with heavy equipment may unload near an arena door before parking in a regular lot.

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News Services contacts: Laura Toler, 962-8589 (w), 967-7970 (h), 216-2038 (pager), 219-6374 (cell)

Mike McFarland, 962-8593 (w), 968-1406 (h), 216-2584 (pager), 614-5436 (cell);