One of the world’s foremost biomedical researchers of rare diseases, James M. Wilson, M.D. Ph.D., a 1977 Albion College graduate and Grosse Pointe, Mich., native, will give the keynote address during Albion’s 2022 Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 7.

Dr. Wilson is director of the gene therapy program and the Rose H. Weiss Professor and Director of the Orphan Disease Center at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. Since 1993, Wilson’s laboratory has made seminal contributions to the technology of gene transfer and has paved the way for translation of these technologies into the clinic. His commitment to patients with rare diseases stemmed from his days as a graduate student and medical student at the University of Michigan.

In 2018, Jim and his wife, Lisa, founded the Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine at Albion College. Through an innovative academic curriculum and immersive clinical, research and community service initiatives, the Wilson Institute prepares Albion students for successful entry into graduate and professional programs en route to becoming altruistic leaders in healthcare.

Albion will celebrate Commencement for an estimated 307 students from the steps of Kresge Gymnasium on the western end of the College Quadrangle. The event is free and open to the public, except in the case of inclement weather, when tickets will be required. The ceremony will be streamed live on the Albion College YouTube channel. For more information, visit albion.edu/commencement.