Education (Colleges & Universities)
Here's a look at documents from public, private and community colleges in the U.S.
Featured Stories
University of Texas Dallas: Undergrads Showcase Stellar Research Projects at Poster Contest
RICHARDSON, Texas, May 9 -- The University of Texas Dallas campus issued the following news:
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Undergrads Showcase Stellar Research Projects at Poster Contest
By: Jessica Good
The University of Texas at Dallas' Exhibition of Excellence in Undergraduate Research, presented April 13-21 by the Office of Undergraduate Education, showcased research by students and offered workshops to help them learn more about research opportunities.
The event culminated with the Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards poster contest finals, in which the top recipients of the Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards
... Show Full Article
RICHARDSON, Texas, May 9 -- The University of Texas Dallas campus issued the following news:
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Undergrads Showcase Stellar Research Projects at Poster Contest
By: Jessica Good
The University of Texas at Dallas' Exhibition of Excellence in Undergraduate Research, presented April 13-21 by the Office of Undergraduate Education, showcased research by students and offered workshops to help them learn more about research opportunities.
The event culminated with the Undergraduate Research Scholar Awards poster contest finals, in which the top recipients of the Undergraduate Research Scholar Awardsdiscussed their work with judges.
"Undergraduate research at UT Dallas is a vital piece of the student success story. Under the engaged mentorship of faculty, undergraduate students not only acquire knowledge, but they build skills that empower them as future leaders with deep impact," said Dr. William Nichols, professor of literature, dean of undergraduate education and Mary McDermott Cook Chair for Undergraduate Education.
"Students contribute to the production of knowledge and advance scholarship at the same time they learn to manage projects, identify questions and discover solutions that will positively impact society," he said.
Biomedical engineering senior Mason Parri won the competition for his research, which focused on sepsis, a life-threatening immune system response to an infection.
"My fellow researchers and I are developing a point-of-care testing device capable of detecting sepsis in real time to address current limitations, particularly the long delays associated with receiving diagnostic test results," Parri said.
Biomedical engineering sophomore Aryan Bangad placed second, and child learning and development junior Shreeyalaxhmee Rao finished third. Eight finalists competed in the last round of the poster contest, which was held April 17 in the Founders Building.
Research opportunities at UT Dallas such as the poster contest helped Parri develop scientific and professional skills, he said.
"They also enabled me to highlight the urgent need for greater education and awareness surrounding sepsis, which is responsible for approximately 11 million deaths each year," he said.
Nichols, Ashish Srivastava MS'21 and Landon Elfenbein BS'12, both of Collins Aerospace; Nicole Wilk, sustainability manager of the City of Plano; and Brandon Tabor, from engineering firm Olsson, judged the competition.
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Original text here: https://news.utdallas.edu/students-teaching/undergrads-research-exhibition-excellence-2026/
University of Texas Dallas: Comet Grads Get Set for Moments in Sun at Spring Commencement
RICHARDSON, Texas, May 9 -- The University of Texas Dallas campus issued the following news:
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Comet Grads Get Set for Moments in Sun at Spring Commencement
By: Stephen Fontenot
The University of Texas at Dallas community will salute its Class of 2026 with its University Commencement ceremony, as well as doctoral hooding and 12 school-based ceremonies, all being held May 15-20 on the UT Dallas campus.
The ceremonies will accommodate this spring's class of 3,051 bachelor's students, 1,651 master's students and 158 doctoral candidates. Almost 4,500 Comets are expected to participate in the
... Show Full Article
RICHARDSON, Texas, May 9 -- The University of Texas Dallas campus issued the following news:
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Comet Grads Get Set for Moments in Sun at Spring Commencement
By: Stephen Fontenot
The University of Texas at Dallas community will salute its Class of 2026 with its University Commencement ceremony, as well as doctoral hooding and 12 school-based ceremonies, all being held May 15-20 on the UT Dallas campus.
The ceremonies will accommodate this spring's class of 3,051 bachelor's students, 1,651 master's students and 158 doctoral candidates. Almost 4,500 Comets are expected to participate in thevarious commencement ceremonies.
For this year, University Commencement, which also includes graduates from last fall and summer, has moved from the University Roundabout to Parking Lot J to provide a larger, flatter space with fewer obstructions to sight lines.
The keynote speaker will be Tom Leppert, who served as mayor of Dallas from 2007 to 2011 and has earned acclaim for his leadership in business, public service and higher education.
"UT Dallas has been a key factor in the ability of this region to attract companies and talented individuals. Its deep roots and leadership in the technology sector are especially important as the region and state push to become global leaders in growing areas of the economy," Leppert said. "The University epitomizes the region's distinction in creating partnerships between the public and private sector to the overall benefit of the local economy."
Leppert, who chairs the board of directors at national construction contractor Austin Industries, is a longtime Center for BrainHealth supporter and co-leader of The BrainHealth Project. He received the center's Legacy Award in 2022.
Leppert also has chaired the Dallas Regional Chamber and the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations. He has been recognized as CEO of the Year by D Magazine, the Texas Businessman of the Year by the Texas Association of Business and Outstanding Director of the Year by the Dallas Business Journal.
Commencement festivities kick off the afternoon of May 15 with the hooding of doctoral degree candidates at the Edith O'Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall. University Commencement will be held that evening at 7:30.
The ceremonies for individual schools will be held the following Monday through Wednesday at the Activity Center and the lecture hall.
Three ceremonies will be held May 18 for the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, along with one for the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
On May 19, the first two ceremonies for the Naveen Jindal School of Management will be held, in addition to the ceremonies for the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
May 20 will feature two more events for the Jindal School, then wrap up with the ceremony for the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology.
After each school commencement ceremony, giveaways and photo opportunities will be available at the Grads on the Green event at the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center.
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Class of 2026 Facts and Figures
The spring class of 2026 represents:
43 U.S. states
55 countries
92 Texas counties
Most popular degrees
Bachelor's: computer science, psychology, biology, finance, neuroscience
Master's: business analytics and artificial intelligence; information technology and management; computer science; accounting and analytics; business administration
Doctoral: electrical engineering; management science; computer science; visual and the performing arts; arts, technology, and emerging communication
Ages
Oldest graduate: 72
Youngest graduate: 18
Other numbers
Percentage of undergraduate first-generation graduates: 17%
Percentage of undergraduate graduates who started as transfer students: 30%
Percentage of international graduates (bachelor's, master's and doctoral): 22%
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Commencement Student Speakers
* Giana Abraham, BS, neuroscience, BS, psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
* Kashish Daulatani, BS, computer science, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
* Reiki Hingorani, BS, data science, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
* Bronia John, BS, healthcare studies, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
* Mercy Koech, MS, electrical engineering, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
* Brittany Kopel, MA, interdisciplinary studies, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
* Dillon Laney, EMBA, Naveen Jindal School of Management
* Matthew Lin, BA, public health, School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
* Sephanit Nekeatibeb, BS, marketing, Naveen Jindal School of Management
* Sai Charan Palvai, MS, computer science, Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
* Mahak Rawal, MS, information technology and management, Naveen Jindal School of Management
* Minahal Sabir, BA, education, School of Interdisciplinary Studies
* Megan Shieh, MS, accounting and analytics, Naveen Jindal School of Management
* Angie Vo, PhD, arts, technology, and emerging communication, Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
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Original text here: https://news.utdallas.edu/campus-community/spring-commencement-preview-2026/
University of Mount Olive Celebrates Spring 2026 Commencement
MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina, May 9 -- The University of Mount Olive issued the following news:
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University of Mount Olive Celebrates Spring 2026 Commencement
Wearing commemorative 75th Anniversary stoles, members of the University of Mount Olive's Class of 2026 passed through the Alumni Crosswalk before commencement as students and returned through it as graduates. The Friday, May 8 ceremony marked both the completion of their degrees and their formal place within the University's 75-year history.
In his opening remarks, University President H. Edward Croom recognized military service
... Show Full Article
MOUNT OLIVE, North Carolina, May 9 -- The University of Mount Olive issued the following news:
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University of Mount Olive Celebrates Spring 2026 Commencement
Wearing commemorative 75th Anniversary stoles, members of the University of Mount Olive's Class of 2026 passed through the Alumni Crosswalk before commencement as students and returned through it as graduates. The Friday, May 8 ceremony marked both the completion of their degrees and their formal place within the University's 75-year history.
In his opening remarks, University President H. Edward Croom recognized military servicemembers and veterans in attendance and, in honor of Mother's Day weekend, invited mothers throughout the arena to stand for special recognition, creating one of the ceremony's heartfelt early moments.
Adding to the day's memorable atmosphere, the University's nationally and internationally recognized a cappella ensemble Carolina Sound delivered stirring performances of the National Anthem and "God Bless the USA," drawing thunderous applause as their powerful vocals underscored both the patriotic spirit and emotional significance of the occasion.
This year's commencement speaker, former NFL standout, ESPN analyst, and former Indianapolis Colts Interim Head Coach Jeff Saturday, grounded his address in both personal experience and Biblical wisdom, offering graduates three guiding principles: perseverance, understanding one's role, and seeking wisdom.
Referencing James 1:12, Saturday reminded graduates, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial," emphasizing that resilience often defines future success more than immediate achievement.
Drawing from his NFL career, marriage, and personal faith, Saturday encouraged graduates to remain steadfast not only professionally, but spiritually. "Perseverance is what separates potential from purpose," Saturday said. "Keep going anyway."
He also emphasized humility and teamwork, citing 1 Corinthians 12 and Philippians 2:3 to stress that success is often built by understanding one's role within a larger purpose. "Wherever you go next, ask yourself, 'How can I contribute to something bigger than myself?'" he said.
Turning to wisdom, Saturday referenced James 1:5, reminding graduates that true wisdom comes not simply from knowledge, but from seeking God's guidance. "In a world full of information, wisdom is one of the rarest things you can possess," Saturday said.
Closing with Joshua 1:9, Saturday challenged graduates to move boldly into their futures: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Following his address, Saturday personally greeted each graduate, presenting Bibles and shaking hands as they crossed the stage.
Board of Trustees Chair Don Lassiter congratulated graduates on reaching this milestone, recognizing both their determination and the families, faculty, and mentors who supported them along the way, while UMO Alumni Association President Norman Crumpacker formally welcomed the Class of 2026 into the University's growing alumni network. "Graduates leave this campus with more than degrees," said Crumpacker. "They carry forward the friendships, values, and experiences that connect them to a lifelong Trojan community."
During the ceremony, the University recognized two recipients of the Morris Award for Academic Excellence, presented annually to the traditional and online students with the highest academic averages. Alina Esser, a Psychology major from Germany, was honored for her academic excellence, undergraduate research, and honors scholarship. Esser recently presented her thesis research on sleep and mental health at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and will return to Germany to attend medical school. Amanda Elizabeth Riley of Louisburg, NC, a UMO Online graduate in Cybersecurity and Applied Computer Science, was recognized for her exceptional academic consistency, leadership, and commitment to excellence.
This year's spring graduating class represented students from two continents, 10 countries, and 18 states. Of the 286 May graduates, 29 earned associate degrees, 236 received bachelor's degrees, and 21 were awarded master's degrees.
President Croom closed the ceremony by reminding graduates that their degrees represent not only academic accomplishment, but also a calling to lead lives of service and impact. "As you leave the University of Mount Olive, remember that your education has prepared you for more than a profession," said Croom. "You are equipped to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions wherever God calls you. We celebrate your achievements today and look forward to the difference you will make in the world."
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The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
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Original text here: https://umo.edu/university-of-mount-olive-celebrates-spring-2026-commencement/
University of Mississippi: St. Amand Award Winner Carries Family Legacy of Teaching
OXFORD, Mississippi, May 9 -- The University of Mississippi issued the following news:
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St. Amand Award Winner Carries Family Legacy of Teaching
Spanish instructor honored for commitment to helping students achieve their goals
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Gabriel Alexander Garrido-Franco, lecturer in Spanish at the University of Mississippi, is the 2026 recipient of the St. Amand Outstanding Teacher Award.
The award annually recognizes a non-tenure-track Ole Miss faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the classroom.
Chancellor Glenn Boyce praised Garrido's dedication and efforts both inside and away from
... Show Full Article
OXFORD, Mississippi, May 9 -- The University of Mississippi issued the following news:
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St. Amand Award Winner Carries Family Legacy of Teaching
Spanish instructor honored for commitment to helping students achieve their goals
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Gabriel Alexander Garrido-Franco, lecturer in Spanish at the University of Mississippi, is the 2026 recipient of the St. Amand Outstanding Teacher Award.
The award annually recognizes a non-tenure-track Ole Miss faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the classroom.
Chancellor Glenn Boyce praised Garrido's dedication and efforts both inside and away fromthe classroom.
"Gabriel Garrido-Franco brings a unique combination of life experience, passion and genuine connection to his classroom," Boyce said. "His students leave his courses with a broader view of the world and a deeper confidence in themselves. That kind of teaching is exactly what this award was created to honor."
Receiving the award is a validating moment as an educator, Garrido said.
"The chancellor told me students said I changed their lives," Garrido said. "It's an incredible feeling to know you made an impact."
For Garrido, teaching is a family tradition.
His grandmother, Elba Garrido, became the first schoolteacher in her small town in Venezuela during the 1940s. Garrido notes that, every day, she traveled by mule to teach in a neighboring village.
Her passion for educating inspired generations of her family.
"My father and aunt became university professors," Garrido said. "So that was like a pyramid that started with a lady on a mule."
His parents, Gabriel and Lisbeth Garrido, attended graduate school at Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas, from 1979 until 1981. Afterwards they returned to their native Venezuela to become professors.
Garrido didn't become a teacher immediately. He has lived all over the world, spending time in Vienna, as an actor at the Imperial Theater, and in Melbourne, Australia, where he operated his own DVD rental business. But the call to educate always remained, and he eventually moved to Oxford to pursue a master's degree in modern languages.
After graduating in 2012, Garrido taught fourth grade math and Spanish in Clarksdale before returning to Ole Miss to join the faculty. He originally planned to return to Australia to teach Spanish but enjoyed his time in Oxford so much that it changed his direction.
Garrido credits the Department of Modern Languages for its support of faculty and a culture of collegiality that has helped him grow as an educator.
"You always exchange ideas," he said. "You always learn something when you observe your colleagues teaching."
Garrido said one of the things that fills him with pride is seeing his students apply the knowledge they've gained in his classes to their lives. One student went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic and used her Spanish to connect with the people she was helping. Another became a lawyer who aids Spanish-speaking immigrants.
He also feels fullfilled when he runs into a former student in Oxford who can still strike up a conversation in Spanish.
"Spanish will open doors, whether you're a doctor, a nurse or a lawyer," he said. "Language connects you to people you wouldn't otherwise reach."
Garrido, who also drives routes for Oxford-University Transit, sometimes sees his students on the bus. These conversations turn into impromptu Spanish lessons, he said.
"Those moments outside the classroom are special," Garrido said. "You can learn anywhere, even on a bus."
Whatever his students' goals, Garrido hopes they give it their all, both in the classroom and in their lives.
"No matter what you do, throw everything you have into it," he said. "So you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything.'
"That's my message to my students."
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Original text here: https://olemiss.edu/news/2026/05/st-amand-award-winner-carries-family-legacy-of-teaching/index.html
University of Colorado: Commencement Celebrates Twelve Golden Grads
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, May 9 -- The University of Colorado issued the following news release:
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Commencement celebrates twelve Golden Grads
Since 2012, UCCS has honored Golden Graduates - alumni who graduated 50 years ago - and Silver Graduates - alumni who graduated 25 years ago - during Commencement ceremonies in May and December, respectively.
This year, UCCS will recognize twelve Golden Graduates, each of whom graduated from UCCS in 1976.
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Read stories from each of the Golden Grads below.
Jose R. "Bob" Abeyta | B.A., Sociology
During his time at UCCS, Bob was a member
... Show Full Article
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, May 9 -- The University of Colorado issued the following news release:
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Commencement celebrates twelve Golden Grads
Since 2012, UCCS has honored Golden Graduates - alumni who graduated 50 years ago - and Silver Graduates - alumni who graduated 25 years ago - during Commencement ceremonies in May and December, respectively.
This year, UCCS will recognize twelve Golden Graduates, each of whom graduated from UCCS in 1976.
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Read stories from each of the Golden Grads below.
Jose R. "Bob" Abeyta | B.A., Sociology
During his time at UCCS, Bob was a memberof La Gente Chicana Student Club for all four years and acted as the organization's president for one of those four.
"I gained leadership skills during that time that assisted me when training salespeople in business as a manager. We were a strong organization of mostly non-traditional students. The Black Student Union was very strong also and we worked together on several events and issues."
Following graduation, Bob and his family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, for four years. While in Grand Junction, Bob worked for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and then National Write Your Congress. They returned to Colorado Springs where he acted as Director of the Veterans Outreach Program through the American GI Forum before starting his own business, JR Marketing, where he remained for thirty-three years in sales.
"My family consists of my wife, Carmen Abeyta and we have a daughter, Joette, and son, Mark. We are now proud grandparents of four grandsons, great-grandparents of two great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons, plus another great-grandson who will be arriving in August of 2026. My education at UCCS was extremely meaningful as I was one of the first in my family of five siblings to attend college. My brother, Jose Horacio Abeyta, started attending UCCS before I did and convinced me to attend also. We both graduated together in 1976. We built great memories in the classroom, as well as outside the classroom."
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Lawrence Brown | B.S., Marketing
Lawrence enrolled at UCCS and earned his Business Administration degree after serving four years in the United States Air Force medical corps, and became a sales rep for a major pharmaceutical manufacturing company for 18 years after graduation. He went on to found and run an allergy clinic in Fort Collins.
"My senior year at UCCS, I was named Marketing Student of the Year and was the President of the Business Club. While a sales rep, I was promoted to the position of trainer and trained several new sales rep across the Western United States. My responsibilities at the physicians' office in Fort Collins included developing and start up of the allergy program. I was the manager of this department for 20 years. After COVID, I retired and moved to Oklahoma. I considered my business and personal training at UCCS paramount in these successes."
Lawrence has been happily married for 57 years and has two sons and six grandchildren. His family have moved through the U.S. and have lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, Colorado and Haileyville, Oklahoma.
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Michalina D. DeRosier | B.S., Business Marketing
Along with raising her children, Michalina held leadership positions for several successful political campaigns. She also led Adventures in Attitudes classes, traveled extensively, volunteered at McAllister House, Ronald McDonald house and was privileged to participate in a WW2 veterans honor flight to Washington, D.C.
"Earning my degree at UCCS instilled confidence to face new challenges without fear. I met incredible people and outstanding professors. I enjoyed organizing fundraisers for the College of Business. Curiosity Unlimited exposed me to new ways to experience life, and my life has been a great adventure so far!"
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Suanne Dell | B.S., Education
"UCCS provided me the opportunity to get an excellent quality education that I could afford to pay for myself."
After graduating, Suanne taught Elementary school for nine years in Colorado Springs District 11 before continuing her education at University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder. She graduated in 1988 (with a membership in Law Review and Order of the Coif, and as Vice President of the Class) and practiced litigation in Denver as a partner at Weller Freidrich, and then at a woman-owned law firm, Wells, Anderson & Race, LLC, and then retired from the practice of law in 2019 after 30 years.
"I enjoy spending my time volunteering, socializing with friends, taking classes and traveling."
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Joanne Dell Fisher | B.A., Psychology
Joanne had a dynamic career in retail at May D&F and Foleys across Colorado and in 28 states for their outlet stores, before pivoting to working for nonprofits and volunteering for years.
"I happily married later in life, traveled a lot, and had a great life. Because it was a small school in the 70's with many veteran students, the focus was on learning. Small class sizes helped. I used my degree in psychology running a large business with many employees."
Lee Ingalls Noble | B.A., Sociology
"I loved my career serving students. I was blessed with a terrific staff, some great supervisors, faculty and mentors."
Lee served 31 years in the UCCS Financial Aid/Student Employment Office, with 25 of those years as Director. She now has the pleasure of serving as Advisory Board Chair of the UCCS Karen Possehl Wayfinders Endowment (KPWE).
"I started working in Student Government as an undergraduate, and served one year as Student Body President. I was also a lobbyist for the Colorado Student Coalition. Both experiences were helpful in later work and life."
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William Martinez | B.A., Sociology
William married his wife, Lala Garcia, in 1957, the year after he graduated from high school, and was drafted in 1961. He spent his two years of service on various bases and enrolled at UCCS later on, graduating as part of the first class to have the graduate ceremony at the Broadmoor. The couple have four children, and William is a colon cancer survivor.
He started working at the Air Force Academy as a counselor in the admissions office, which brought the new class of cadets every year, and his role included bringing the international students to the Academy from six to nine students per year. He also coached wrestling at the Boys Club and Corpus Christi Catholic School, then started officiating at the high school level with the goal to officiate the regional and state tournaments. He also volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Colorado Springs and even sang with the choir.
"Graduating from UCCS had a tremendous impact on my life. I am grateful to have received my masters degree and meeting so many beautiful people. I am still in contact with a few of my graduating class and cherish the memories. Thank you, UCCS alumni and staff."
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Donald C. Moon | B.A., History
Donald started his bachelor's in 1965 before pausing his education to enter the Army and serve in Vietnam. He returned to school and earned his history degree from UCCS, then worked as an electric field engineer for the city. He changed paths later on to become an actor and mystery writer, drawing on his history degree for these roles and for his work as co-owner of Red Herring Productions, where he also became a living history performer in the character of Theodore Roosevelt.
"UCCS helped me complete what I started ten years before graduation: the ability to research and form proper reports that resulted from the discipline achieved at the university and which translated to success. I learned that a degree, no matter what it is, could be leveraged in other areas."
Virginia Ramos | B.A., Mathematics
Virginia explored several occupations after graduating, including dressmaker, costumer for International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and part-time instructor for various grade levels at many schools (including UCCS!). She also returned to UCCS as a student and earned her master's in applied mathematics.
"My education gave me many options and enhanced my understanding of the things that have caught my imagination. Watching the innovations and advancement of technology has been with both awe and eagerness. It even gave me the opportunity to teach here at my alma mater."
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Timothy G. Saponas | B.A., Chemistry
"I started at UCCS with a Presidents Scholarship. I worked my way through school serving as the sole developer of software for the Admissions and Records Office. In my senior year, I met my future wife, Louise Becker, in a computer science class, which was by far the most significant aspect of my life at UCCS. We married six months after graduation and are currently in our 50th year of marriage."
Timothy and Louise spent five years in Atlanta after graduation, where he completed a master's and Ph.D. in computer science at Georgia Tech. He also spent four years as an assistant professor of computer science at Colorado State University before accepting a software engineering position at Intel Corporation in Hillsboro, Oregon. At Intel, he held a variety of management positions including General Manager of the Shanghai R&D Center, Director of Corporate Contributions, and President of the Intel Foundation.
"After retirement, I learned to fly, earning a private pilot certificate with instrument rating. Following the purchase of a Cessna 172, my wife and I flew up and down the west coast. When our youngest son and his wife moved to Fort Worth, Texas, they asked us to follow them and we now reside there."
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Duane S. Thompson | B.A., Distributed Studies
Duane was in the Army before attending UCCS, where he earned the Combat Medic Badge and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal. Following this, he passed the board exams as a Registered Nurse and went on to do clinical work in critical care nursing as an RN and set up/operated hemodialysis system as a Holistic Nurse Practitioner in California. From there, Duane switched to hospital operations management, earned his MBA from University of California in 1986 and transitioned into hospital/healthcare administration. He also obtained his CHE (Certified Hospital Executive) from ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives) and is a LFACHE (Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives).
"I deployed with FEMA on temporary assignments to numerous Presidential declared disaster relief events in the U.S. as well as to the (former) Pacific Trust Territories. I am now retired, and enjoy Amateur (HAM) Radio, competitive shooting, flying drones, and cleaning up after myself (which, of course, I don't enjoy so much). My time at UCCS gave me the preparation for subsequent life events such as research analytics and my graduate degree studies."
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Kenneth Wood | B.A., Mathematics
Kenneth's education at UCCS began in 1968 while serving in the Air Force at Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, and continued while he was working Civil Service after his four years in active duty. He went on to earn a master's degree in 1985 and had a job involving computer support for NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain while also teaching computer science classes at UCCS part time until 1999.
"As a part-time student, my primary focus was on education. The math and computer science classes served me well in providing the computer support for NORAD space and missile defense mission. My wife and I raised a family of two kids, five grandkids and two great-grandkids. Since retiring I have traveled the world, visiting all seven continents and most of the states in the USA."
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About the UCCS Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony
The UCCS Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies will celebrate degrees conferred to more than 500 graduates. Over 1,200 will attend the ceremony at the Broadmoor World Arena on May 15, 2026, with family and friends. See the full Commencement program online.
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Original text here: https://news.uccs.edu/2026/05/08/commencement-celebrates-twelve-golden-grads/
RUM Host Meeting With Complete College Accelerator
MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, May 9 -- The University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus issued the following news:
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RUM host meeting with Complete College Accelerator
By Mariam Ludim Rosa Velez (mariam.ludim@upr.edu)
The Mayaguez University Campus (RUM) recently hosted a working session of the Complete College Accelerator, an initiative of Complete College America (CCA) aimed at strengthening institutional strategies that promote student success through data use, academic collaboration and institutional transformation.
The activity, held on April 24 at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Lajas,
... Show Full Article
MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, May 9 -- The University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez campus issued the following news:
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RUM host meeting with Complete College Accelerator
By Mariam Ludim Rosa Velez (mariam.ludim@upr.edu)
The Mayaguez University Campus (RUM) recently hosted a working session of the Complete College Accelerator, an initiative of Complete College America (CCA) aimed at strengthening institutional strategies that promote student success through data use, academic collaboration and institutional transformation.
The activity, held on April 24 at the Agricultural Experimental Station of Lajas,attached to the College of Agricultural Sciences, brought together CCA facilitators, academic leaders and staff from various offices of the RUM, with the purpose of raising awareness about the Accelerator project, identifying institutional priorities and starting the phase of planning actions aligned with the retention and graduation goals of the student.
Dr. Milagritos Gonzalez Rivera, professor of the Department of Psychology and leader of the project in the RUM, highlighted the support received and the commitment demonstrated by the university community during the day.
"We are grateful for the support we received from the ACC and the members of the university community who attended the meeting and showed genuine interest in supporting the Accelerator program, and in dialogue and learning new ways to drive student success," he said.
During the meeting, participants learned in detail about the mission of Complete College America and the components of the Accelerator project. As part of the sensemaking process, small-group discussions were conducted to analyze institutional strengths and weaknesses in three priority areas of focus for the RUM: academic counseling, digital learning and development education.
"After learning more about Complete College America and the Accelerator project, we had the opportunity to engage in small group dialogue on strengths and weaknesses in three areas of project focus. This information will be used to identify needs and design the work plan in those areas with consultants provided by CCA and the Gates Foundation."
The session also represented a space for exchange between key office staff linked to student success, a rare opportunity within the institutional dynamics. In this context, Nikolas Huot, CFA facilitator, stressed the value of the interdepartmental dialogue generated.
"It was one of the few opportunities we usually have for staff in key offices for student success to meet, meet and acquire knowledge about higher education in a way applied to the situation of our institution, with the certainty that there will be short- and medium-term follow-up," Huot said.
He also highlighted the atmosphere of collaboration and commitment observed during the day.
"Today's sensemaking session of the RUM was honest, energizing and demonstrated the power of authentic collaboration to advance student success. Seeing colleagues from different departments come together with a shared commitment and participating in the kind of productive dialogue that serves as the basis for meaningful actions is exactly what Complete College America envisions as institutional transformation at its best."
Dr. Miguel A. Munoz Munoz, interim rector of the RUM, stressed the importance of this initiative as part of the strategic efforts of the Campus.
"The participation of the Mayaguez University Campus in the Complete College Accelerator reaffirms our commitment to student success. This collaborative effort allows us to rigorously analyze our practices, strengthen data-driven decision-making and develop concrete strategies that positively impact the academic trajectory of our students, always from a collective vision and aligned with the mission of the RUM," he said.
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Original text here: https://www.uprm.edu/portada/2026/05/08/rum-anfitrion-complete-college-accelerator/
Former NASA Astronaut Draws on Experience to Inspire RIT Graduates
ROCHESTER, New York, May 9 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
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Former NASA astronaut draws on experience to inspire RIT graduates
More than 5,550 students graduating from RIT in 2026
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The first woman of color to go into space reminded the Class of 2026 at Academic Convocation on May 8 to never forget to look up.
"When I'm at my best, I feel this connection with the greater universe and it's something that I wish for you throughout your lives," said keynote speaker Mae Jemison. "Look up from your bills. Look up from laptops. Look up from your cell
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ROCHESTER, New York, May 9 -- Rochester Institute of Technology issued the following news release:
* * *
Former NASA astronaut draws on experience to inspire RIT graduates
More than 5,550 students graduating from RIT in 2026
*
The first woman of color to go into space reminded the Class of 2026 at Academic Convocation on May 8 to never forget to look up.
"When I'm at my best, I feel this connection with the greater universe and it's something that I wish for you throughout your lives," said keynote speaker Mae Jemison. "Look up from your bills. Look up from laptops. Look up from your cellphones. Just look up at the sky and you will change."
A record number of students--5,593--are graduating from RIT this year, including those attending global campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. That's up from 4,894 students graduating last year and 4,272 a decade ago.
Individual college commencement ceremonies honoring the graduates will continue throughout the weekend. A hooding ceremony followed Academic Convocation for 76 people earning Ph.D. degrees who are participating in graduation.
Five honorary degrees also were awarded at RIT's convocation ceremony, which was the first one for RIT President Bill Sanders. Prabu David, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, served as master of ceremonies.
Jemison, a physician and educator, drew upon her experiences as a NASA astronaut when addressing the graduates. She accepted her first mission on the STS-47 crew as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, lifting off alongside six other astronauts in September 1992. While in orbit, Jemison conducted experiments that took advantage of the microgravity environment, where objects appear to be weightless.
She urged graduates to be fully present in the world--observing and wondering rather than moving through life with the shades down in apathy or fear. Happiness, purpose, and growth come from choosing awareness and integrity, she said.
"Look up and remember why you care at all because if you can keep that sparkle in your eye, that dancing energy of aliveness and possibility long past graduation, you will have a life that is well on its way to being magical," she said. "A life full of love, service, connection, and meaning."
Sanders told the graduates they are leaving RIT equipped to lead in times of uncertainty, to innovate responsibly, and to strengthen their communities. He encouraged them to be lifelong learners and ethical leaders.
"Success will take many forms in your lives," Sanders said. "But I hope you measure it not only by positions earned or goals achieved, but by the impact you make--by how you lift others, by how you use your skills to expand opportunity, and by how you help shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected world."
Student Government President Rafael Gilboa, a software engineering major from Pittsburgh, said graduates have already proven their resilience by surviving RIT's academic rigor. They are prepared for the future.
"You are joining the ranks of 150,000 alumni, made up of CEOs and inventors and directors and artists and builders and doctors, and now astronauts too," Gilboa said, referring to Jemison's honorary degree. "You have earned your place among them."
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Original text here: https://www.rit.edu/news/former-nasa-astronaut-draws-experience-inspire-rit-graduates
