The Walsh University community celebrated the academic and personal accomplishments of approximately 200 winter graduates with its Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, December 16.
This year’s Commencement Speaker was Author and Canton Repository Columnist Gary Brown, who was also presented with the Walsh University Distinguished Service Medal for his service to the University. The Senior Class Address was given by Adriene Ware, School for Professional Studies graduate, and the Alumni Association Welcome was delivered by Catherine Shew'79, Alumni Board President. In addition, Communicate Institute Founder Nancy Utterback was honored during the ceremony with the Distinguished Service Medal for the Institute’s 30-year partnership with Walsh University. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to those who have rendered distinguished professional or voluntary service to others within the national, regional or local Walsh University community. Those who are awarded this honor reflect the University’s steadfast commitment to the strength of noble character.
Through his column, The Morning After, Gary Brown has interviewed some of the most influential people of Walsh University, preserving their memories for generations to come. Through his writings, he has been able to share the thoughts and spirit of treasured friends such as Br. Francis Blouin, Br. Joseph Power, and longtime professors Tom Ling and Joe Ezzie, to name just a few.
"I am both honored and humbled by this honor because I know it results from just doing something I love to do -write about interesting people," said Gary Brown. "And I know that in writing about, for example, those with ties to Walsh University, the subjects of the articles are really the ones who should be recognized for their accomplishments, not me. I just told their stories. Still, I am sincerely grateful to be given this award and it will serve to strengthen even more what I consider a strong tie to this university."
An album of commencement photos are available here.