@ Our Centers - July 2010

California Center Commencement
Dr. James Henderson, Ed.D. program
distinguished visiting scholar,
CA commencement speaker More than 140 learners and their families from across the country will converge at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on July 18 to take part in UI&U’s California commencement ceremonies. Dr. James Henderson, distinguished visiting scholar in the university’s Ed.D. program, will serve as the commencement speaker.

Many learners who will commence in July are the first in their families to graduate from college. For example, when 50-year-old Maria de Jesus Padilla walks across the stage to accept her bachelor’s degree in child development, she will be the only one in her family to have graduated from college. Gary Fobbiano, a third-generation Italian-American, is also the first in his family to graduate.

As adult learners, many who are taking part in the California commencement returned to school after working at their careers and raising their children.

Michael Connor is earning his B.S. degree in criminal justice management at the age of 52. The first time he was enrolled at a university was 1975. Dennis Lee Weibert, who is also gradating with a degree in criminal justice management, will be 59 when he walks across the stage to accept his degree. “This has been a lifelong goal,” said Weibert. Families of the learners are travelling to Los Angeles from as far away as Michigan and Florida to see their loved ones graduate.

"Commencement signifies an important turning point in a person's life. It is a moment of joy, not just for commencers, but for all those who have seen them through their quest for a bachelor's degree,” said Dr. Beth Pastores-Palffy, dean of the California Centers. “This lifelong dream has been attained at last. Warm congratulations to the 2010 graduates for adding another feather in your cap. I wish you well in your future endeavors".

Cincinnati Center
Union Institute & University President Dr. Roger H. Sublett was recently appointed to the Hospice of Cincinnati Board of Trustees. UI&U graduate, Gladys Hankins, Ph.D. was also appointed to the board.

 “I am honored to have been elected to the Board of Trustees of Hospice of Cincinnati, and I extend my congratulations to Union’s graduate Dr. Gladys Hankins, who was also elected,” said Dr. Sublett. “Hospice of Cincinnati is committed to providing excellent support and loving care to families who are facing difficult issues, and I am very pleased that Union Institute & University will have an opportunity to extend our commitment to others through service on the Board of Trustees.”

Hospice of Cincinnati specializes in providing comfort, compassion and personalized end-of-life care to all those in need. Their medical and caregiving personnel are widely recognized as industry leaders in hospice and palliative care. Additionally, they are committed to supporting patients and family members in every possible way - from symptom management to spiritual and emotional support and bereavement services.