Graduation is a wonderful celebration of a well-deserved accomplishment. At the University of Oregon, we hope you, family and friends of the graduate, are able to share in this celebration and witness the final product of a meaningful experience.The 2008 commencement speaker was Ronald B. Mitchell, Professor of Political Science. Ronald Mitchell is an accomplished political scientist who specializes in international relations and environmental politics. His current research is supported by two National Science Foundation grants – “Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Relationships and Early-Career Development to Advance Interdisciplinary Research on Climate Change and Impacts” and “Analysis of the Effects of Environmental Treaties.” He has published two books and numerous articles on environmental politics and treaty compliance. Mitchell is a core faculty member in the Environmental Studies Program and is very active in national and international advisory boards and scientific committees.