Nationally Acclaimed Writer, Alumnus Speaks at JMU Commencement

From: Public Affairs

Robert "Phoef" Sutton

December 11, 2007

HARRISONBURG - James Madison University will welcome one of its alumni, writer Robert "Phoef" (pronounced "Feef") Sutton, as the speaker for commencement exercises Saturday, December 15, at 10 a.m. in the JMU Convocation Center.

Sutton is a 1981 graduate of JMU and started his career as an actor and playwright during his undergraduate years. He is returning to deliver the address at his alma mater following more than two decades of prolific writing and successful involvement in a variety of stage, screen and television projects. His resume includes an eight-year stint with the NBC show "Cheers," working his way from staff writer to executive producer, as well as recent work on the television shows "News Radio" and "Boston Legal."

Sutton is also the recipient of numerous national awards for his work as a writer, including the Norman Lear Award for Comedy Playwriting as an undergraduate and two Emmys and a Writer's Guild Award for "Cheers." He also received a Peabody Award for his work on "Boston Legal." Sutton remains active in theater and is also an accomplished novelist.

Sutton is a 2000 recipient of the Ronald E. Carrier Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. He was the speaker at JMU's May 1988 commencement program.

Degrees to be conferred at this semester's commencement include 555 bachelor's and 104 master's.

Other special commencement exercises are planned by the ROTC program.

ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Saturday, December 15
1 p.m.
Memorial Hall Forum

Four students, Aaron Avery, Young Ethridge, Thomas Howard and Michael Parrish will be commissioned at the ceremony. Howard is a Distinguished Military Graduate who deployed to Afghanistan during his sophomore year with the 3/116th Infantry, Virginia National Guard.

Media Note: If you plan to attend commencement or related programs, please contact Don Egle, university spokesperson, at 540-568-5322 or egledk@jmu.edu.

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