Total Degrees Awarded
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Culinary Arts
School of Business
School of Hospitality
B.S. Degrees
A.S. Degrees
MBA Degrees
288
3
125
27
116
186
85
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DENVER CAMPUS Commencement Colorado Convention Center HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing Steven J. McCarthy Chairman and CEO Além International Management Inc. (Commencement Speaker) Doctor of Culinary Arts William H. Yosses Founder Kitchen Garden Laboratory
Room for Growth, Space for Evolution The excitement was palpable as the Class of 2016, along with their families and alumni, gathered on the Coors Family Commons for the Robert E. Taylor Gate Ceremony. Led by a stately drum corps, soon-to-be graduates paraded east through the gate, coming full circle from their westbound passage as first-year students at JWU Denver. Alumni celebrated them with highfives as they were officially welcomed into the fold. Commencement exercises continued the following morning at the Colorado Convention Center, with waves of anticipatory cheers emanating from the Class of 2016 waiting backstage. A bagpiper marked the beginning of the procession, while the International Parade of Flags, representing students from Australia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Vietnam, signaled the end of the procession. Bradley Steckelberg ’16 MBA sang the national anthem in honor of his brother, who was killed in action in Iraq. Student speaker Zaira Acevedo Becerril ’16 regaled classmates with her JWU adventure, from the unique perspective of an international student from Mexico. “The campus — with its diversity, sense of community, comfort and support — helped me better understand American culture,” she explained. “The land of opportunity has proven that there is always room for growth; there is always space for evolution.” Two outstanding individuals also received honorary degrees. Steven J. McCarthy, chairman and chief executive officer of Além International Management and Olympic torch relay director, received a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing degree. William H. Yosses, recent White House executive pastry chef and founder of Kitchen Garden Laboratory, received a Doctor of Culinary Arts degree. During his commencement speech, McCarthy described the Olympic Flame as an icon of peace: “Today is about our individual and collective duty and honor to promote our version of that flame around the world.” He also reminded graduates that they bring value with their degrees. “Now you can ask, ‘What if I was the best in the world at what I do … on my worst day?’ ”
Steven J. McCarthy ’16 Hon.
William H. Yosses ’16 Hon.
As students were called to receive their degrees and cross the stage, the hall exploded with shouts and applause from family and friends who have supported them in their journey. ~ Amy Vucci
Robin Krakowsky ’88, ’08 Ed.D. Denver Campus President
Zaira Acevedo Becerril ’16 www.jwu.edu
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