Park University's Gilbert, Arizona, campus will host its first graduation ceremony on the 30th of April.
Park University's Gilbert Campus to Host Inaugural Commencement Ceremony
On April 30, 2022, Park University's Gilbert Campus will mark a significant milestone as it holds its inaugural commencement ceremony. The event will take place at Paloma Community Church in Mesa, Ariz., starting at 11 a.m. (Arizona time).
The University, which began offering classes and degree programs at the Gilbert Campus in October 2018, currently serves around 500 students in the area. It is one of three campuses in Arizona and part of a larger system that includes 41 campuses in total, with 31 located on military installations across the country and extensive online programs.
Park University's home is in Parkville, Mo., but it supports students from around the globe in pursuing their higher education dreams. The Gilbert Campus is located in the Heritage District at the University Building, 92 W. Vaughn Ave.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, Ph.D., professor of public administration, and Park University President Shane Smeed, who was appointed president in January. Smeed served 13 months as interim president before his appointment. Yira Brimage, the Gilbert Campus vice president, began her role in November 2021.
The keynote speaker for the event is Houston Kraft, who is affiliated with the organization "Better Man" and is known for his work on building positive culture and leadership.
Brigette Peterson, the mayor of the Town of Gilbert, will also provide a keynote address. Prior to her mayoral position, Peterson served more than five years on the Gilbert Town Council. Before her tenure on the town council, Peterson served on the Gilbert Planning Commission for over 14 years.
Approximately 70 students are expected to participate in the ceremony to receive their bachelor's and master's degrees. The University also has campuses at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale and at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, in addition to the Gilbert Campus.
Park University received approval by the Higher Learning Commission and the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education to operate in Gilbert. The University began offering classes and degree programs at the Gilbert Campus in October 2018. Today, it serves 13,250 students annually worldwide.
Education and self-development are at the forefront as Park University's Gilbert Campus prepares to confer degrees to around 70 students during its inaugural commencement ceremony. The event, which is a testament to the University's commitment to providing higher education opportunities, will also feature keynote addresses from Houston Kraft, Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, and Brigette Peterson.
