By Adam Voiland '01

Barring a last-minute crisis, the King of Jordan will speak at commencement this Sunday. As part of a cross-country American tour, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan plans to arrive Saturday evening, speak for commencement ceremonies Sunday, and leave the campus Sunday afternoon.

Abdullah, remembered at Deerfield as a rugged, amicable boy, with a remarkable sense of humor, and a notable degree of humility, will arrive at about 6 p.m., most likely via a helicopter.

On Saturday evening, Abdullah will attend a reception for the class of 1980. At the reception will be members of the class of 1980, Abdullah's former teachers from Eaglebrook and Deerfield, and other old friends and acquaintances.

Sunday morning, the king will have breakfast at the Manse and then hold a press conference at the Main Building. On account of the King's tight schedule, the press conference will last thirty minutes, followed by a brief photo opportunity. Following the press conference, at 10 a.m., Abdullah will take his place in the graduation parade and proceed as any other graduation speaker would.

At press time, the content of Abdullah's speech was unknown, but David Pond, the organizer of Abdullah's visit and director of the alumni and development office, thinks that Abdullah may refer to his graduation speaker, Rabbi Ronald Sobel, who, according to Mr. Pond, touched Abdullah deeply.

Despite the fact that the Academy will do its utmost to keep the graduation focused on the students and their families, it will not be entirely typical.

The King, as a sitting head of state, requires a significant security presence, which will be provided by the United States Secret Service and a Jordanian security force, headed by Abdullah's brother. In all, Abdullah's entourage will include approximately 25 people. At press time it was unknown whether Abdullah's wife, the popular, Princess Diana-like, Queen Rania, would he able to attend the ceremonies.

After Deerfield Abdullah will visit a number of other American cities that include, among others, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Washington. In Washington, Abdullah will meet with President Clinton.

As of now, only local press - reporters from Springfield to Brattleboro -- has been invited. But, said Mr. Pond, if larger news agencies call, the New York Times, for example, they may be allowed access.

Twenty years ago, when he graduated from Deerfield, being King was far from his mind. Yet, those very traits that developed here remain as he rules one of the most highly watched countries in the world.

Jordanians, initially, shocked by his father's death, have grown used to the humble, determined and sometimes prankish King. Abdullah, in only one year, has gained an enormous amount of international recognition and support.

In the ever tense Middle East Abdullah, like his father, is proving himself to be a determined peacemaker. At home he is working furiously to rescue his country from economic woes that have pushed employment to 27%