June 3, 2017 Atlanta - Ambassador Andrew Young waves to the crowd during 2017 Andrew J. Young International Leadership Awards Gala and 85th Birthday at Philips Arena on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Former VP Joe Biden honored at former Atlanta Mayor and UN Ambassador Andy Young's 85 birthday celebration at Philips Arena. The Andrew J. Young Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2017 Andrew J. Young International Leadership Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals whose activism, philanthropy and leadership are transforming lives throughout the global community. The awards will be presented at the Foundation’s gala event on June 3, 2017, at the Philips Arena in Atlanta as part of the 85th birthday celebration of its founder and chair, Ambassador Andrew Young. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Photo: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Photo: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Andrew Young to give Emory’s commencement address

Education
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Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young will give the commencement address at Emory University, the school announced Monday.

“Ambassador Young is a true American hero,” Emory President Claire E. Sterk said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that our graduates will have the opportunity to hear from a leader who has inspired and helped so many people. He has been a trailblazing advocate for civil and human rights, and as mayor he fueled Atlanta’s metamorphosis into a global gateway. His leadership and his personal story serve as outstanding examples for us all.”

Young, a longtime civil and human rights activist, is a former Atlanta mayor and help bring the 1996 Summer Olympics to the city. Young, U.S. Rep. John Lewis and Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., participated in the opening coin toss of the Super Bowl earlier this month.

The university will award Young its President’s Medal, conferred on distinguished university guests who have enhanced the prospect of peace or enriched cultural achievement. Young already has a honorary degree from Emory.

The commencement is scheduled for May 13.

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