I will now turn the podium over to the grand marshal for today’s ceremony, Dr. Rebecca Jobe, faculty in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, who will acknowledge those members of our community who have passed away since the last time we came together at a commencement ceremony.
Since we last gathered together at commencement, the academic community of Walden University lost several valued members.
Dr. Beverly A. Copper-Butler, Ph.D. Alumnus
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
Betty L. DeVore, Faculty Member
Center for Undergraduate Studies
Dr. Leslie M. Herman, Ph.D. Alumnus
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Norma Longoria Reyes, Ph.D. Student
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Kimberly V. Stewart, Ph.D. Student
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Please join me in a moment of silent tribute to them.
We would also like to take this time to remember the men and women who are selflessly serving their countries in the armed forces, especially those who are family members and friends of the Walden community. We also honor members of the armed forces who have been lost serving their countries and share our warm thoughts with their families and loved ones. We would like to pay special recognition today to the three National Guard members from Minnesota who lost their lives for whom a memorial was held earlier today.