Gary A. Sojka

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Former Bucknell University president Gary A. Sojka is the guest speaker for this year’s Lock Haven University commencement ceremonies, held on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2008.

Sojka received his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Coe College, and his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University in microbial genetics. After completing his study at Purdue, he did post-doctoral work in microbial biochemistry at Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., where he served in several administrative posts, including associate chairperson of Biology, chairperson of Biology and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 1984, he left Indiana to become president of Bucknell University, a post he held for 11 years. Following his retirement from the Bucknell presidency, he served for several years as interim president of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities, while also holding a full time teaching position at Bucknell. In 2006 he retired from the faculty at Bucknell, and in 2007, he accepted a legislative appointment to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, a position he still occupies.

A scholar athlete as an undergraduate, Sojka competed in football and track at Coe College and is a member of the Coe College Athletic Hall of Fame. At Bucknell, his commitment to the scholar/athlete model lent support to his role as one of the founding presidents of the Patriot League. He has also been inducted into the Bucknell Athletic Hall of Fame as an administrator, and the Bucknell basketball facility, the Sojka Pavilion, is named for him.

A member of Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, Sojka holds honorary doctorates from Purdue University and Lycoming College. He is the recipient of the Sheepskin Award of the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities and was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Coe College.

Sojka will speak at the two LHU commencement ceremonies in Thomas Fieldhouse. The College of Education and Human Services ceremony will start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9, and the College of Arts and Science ceremony will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Tickets are required. For more information, call University Advancement at (570) 484-2293.