By Steve Nakata, Administrative Services
PULLMAN, Wash. – Alumnus and former staff member Damon F. Arnold will give the keynote address at the free, public Washington State University Multicultural Graduation Celebration 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 8, at the Schweitzer Event Center. Approximately 160 graduates are expected to be honored.
The director of academic services for athletics at Grand Valley State University in Allandale, Mich., Arnold was retention counselor in WSU’s African American Student Center 1999-2004. He completed a Ph.D. in educational administration at WSU in 2003.
“We have a tradition of bringing back individuals who have made significant contributions to the mission of WSU and Multicultural Student Services,” said J. Manuel Acevedo, director of MSS. “Damon has a compelling story to share and will definitely inspire the 2015 graduating class.”
Arnold, who travels around the country giving inspirational speeches, has no doubt the WSU graduates will do great things.
“Our future is in great hands,” he said. “This generation of students may approach things differently, but they definitely want to be change agents. They want to change the world.”
Other speakers include WSU Provost and Executive Vice President Daniel Bernardo; Melynda Huskey, interim vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students; Acevedo; and four students.
Contacts:
J. Manuel Acevedo, WSU Multicultural Student Services, 509-335-1071, acevedo@wsu.edu
Steve Nakata, WSU Administrative Services communications, 509-335-1774, nakata@wsu.edu