James Lipton, host of television's "Inside the Actors Studio" interview show, and Stephen Yokich, president of the UAW, will receive honorary doctoral degrees during Wayne State University commencement ceremonies Thursday, May2, in Cobo Arena.

Lipton will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Yokich an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. They will join 3,200-degree recipients who make up the university's spring 2002 graduating class.

Lipton, a Detroit native who attended Wayne State, produces and writes his popular celebrity interview show, which originates from the Actors Studio Drama School at New School University in New York City. He is dean of the drama school and is an accomplished producer, director, playwright, lyricist and choreographer whose work has been seen in movie theaters, on Broadway, off Broadway and on television.

Among his credits are 12 Bob Hope Birthday Specials and several "Movies of the Week." He was co-producer of "The Road to China," the first American entertainment program from the People's Republic of China. He wrote the Broadway hit Nowhere to Go but Up and co-produced the Tony award winning Ain't Misbehavin'.

Yokich has headed the UAW since 1995. Prior to that he served five terms as UAW vice president, heading various major departments within the union, including General Motors, Ford, Agricultural Implements, Skilled Trades, and Technical, among others.

During his presidency, he has played a leading role in re-energizing the labor movement, developing new strategies to address the challenges of a global economy, expanding the UAW's organizing activities and strengthening ties with other labor unions. He is a strong advocate of employee assistance programs, improvements in worker health and safety and educational opportunities.

Also to be honored during commencement night will be graduating seniors Scott G. Pritzlaff and Dee Dee Wang, both of Troy. They will receive the prestigious Howard A. Donnelly Award, which is presented to a man and to a woman in the spring graduating class who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions in leadership, service and student activities, consistent with high scholarship.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 14 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.

Note: Individual photos of the four award recipients are available for electronic transmission upon request.