Commencement 2016 Rockford University’s 162nd Commencement Ceremony was held on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m., at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in downtown Rockford. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Business Administration degrees were awarded to approximately 336 students. The 2016 graduates are from 16 states and 14 countries, including Bosnia, China, France, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Yemen. Charles Colman, chair of the University’s Trusteeship Committee had the honor of presenting President Head for the status of President Emeritus which was then formally conferred by Board of Trustee Chairman Thomas Muldowney ’74. President Head shared the following with the graduates and those in attendance, “It has been my great privilege to serve Rockford University. For whatever contributions I have made, my greatest rewards are based in the many accomplishments of our graduates, including those that will be forthcoming as the Class of 2016 begins to make its impact on the world.” Amid a standing ovation, a deeply touched Dr. Head offered a simple thumbs-up to the crowd and quickly got back to the business of celebrating the graduating students. Also recognized during the ceremony were retiring faculty Dr. Thomas McIntyre, associate professor of Anthropology and Sociology (24 years of service) and Dr. Susan Azar Porterfield, professor of English (27 years of service.) Both were conferred emeriti status in recognition of their many years of dedicated service. Student Government Association President and Student Trustee Monica Parsons (pictured above right) provided the message on behalf of the graduates. Parsons, a Rockford native, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts in Spanish and a bachelor of science in Mathematics. his year’s distinguished guest speaker was U.S. Surgeon General, Vice T Admiral (VADM) Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Dr. Murthy was appointed as America’s Doctor on December 15, 2014, and serves as the nation’s 19th United States Surgeon General. Dr. Murthy is responsible for communicating the best available scientific information to the public regarding ways to improve personal health and the health of the nation. He oversees the operations of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, comprised of approximately 6,700 uniformed health officers who serve in locations around the world to promote, protect and advance the health and safety of our nation.
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