The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) will celebrate the graduation of The Odyssey Project‘s class of 2009. James D. Anderson will give the keynote address.

The Odyssey Project is a free, eight-month program of college-level humanities courses for people living in poverty. Students in the class of 2009 took classes from September through May at the Douglass Branch Library in Champaign, IL.

James D. Anderson Ph.D., Gutsgell Professor of Education and head of the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois, will deliver the address. Dr. Anderson’s research is focused on African American history and public education, both secondary and higher. In addition to the guest speaker, graduates will select a student speaker to address the graduation audience.

A reception will follow the ceremony.

This event is by invitation only. For more information or an invitation, please call Amy Thomas Elder at 312.422.5580.