I now turn the podium over to the grand marshal for today’s ceremony, Dr. Denise DeZolt, special assistant to the president for university initiatives, 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:
Rebecca Bardwell
Doctor of Education Student
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
Dr. Linda K. Buchanan
Faculty Member
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
Ann E. Freitag
Master of Public Administration Alumna
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Larry A. Celaya
Doctor of Philosophy Alumnus
College of Management and Technology
Dr. Sophie Lehner Lovinger
Faculty Member
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Florence Mubichi
Doctor of Philosophy Student
College of Health Sciences
Jahi Omari
Doctor of Philosophy Student
The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership
Michael D. Suire
Doctor of Philosophy Student
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Ra Phoenix Thompson
Master of Business Administration Alumnus
College of Management and Technology
Soledad P. Townsend
Doctor of Philosophy 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 our students and 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 extend our warm thoughts to their families and loved ones.