Won't Attend This Week's Festivities

A hip injury will prevent Radcliffe President Horner from addressing graduating seniors at today's baccalaureate address and attending Commencement on Thursday, Radcliffe officials said yesterday.

In a hand written letter sent to the more than 600 graduating undergraduate women. Horner, who broke her hip carher this spring, said her accident has prevented her from attending any Commencement week activities.

"I do hope--as a result of all you've seen and done here and of the friendships you've made that you have developed and will take with you a strong sense of confidence in yourself," Horner wrote.

Radcliffe Professor Emily T. Vermeule will replace Horner at the baccalaureate ceremony. Vermeule who teaches in the Fine Arts Department, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The Baccalaureate exercises traditionally mark the time the President of Harvard and Radcliffe specifically address undergraduates.

Horner will be represented at other Commencement week activities by Chairman of the Radcliffe Board of Trustees Amey A. DeFriez and Associate Dean of Radcliffe College Phillipa Bovet. Bovet will stand on the platform at Thursday's Commencement ceremonies, according to Aida K. Press, spokesman for Radcliffe College.

Horner is expected to resume her duties as President on July 1, Press said.

"I do feel honored standing in for her," Bovet said. "Commencement involves a lot of marching, sitting and standing." Bovet said she could not see how the ceremonies could be changed to accommodate Horner.

"I am excited that Dean Bovet will be there," said Elizabeth K. Wanger '85, a senior marshall, adding, "More undergraduates have had a chance to meet and know Dean Bovet."

Charlotte Mao '85, another senior marshall, said it was unfair that Horner would not be able to attend the ceremonies but added. "Dean Bovet is great too."

"I don't know that many people realized the [Horner] had an injury," Mao said