Palo Alto University 2017 Graduations: Preparing Alumni to Improving Lives

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 25, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Palo Alto University (PAU) celebrated the 36th commencement June 10^th and 24^th. Members of the Class of 2017, who numbered approximately 235, came to PAU from 24 states and 11 countries.

2017 marked the first year the ceremonies were presided over by the university's new president, Dr. Maureen O'Connor.   
"It is a privilege to recognize the many contributions of these extraordinary students," said Dr. O'Connor. "We are so proud of all of our graduates and await with great expectation and optimism for the mark they will make on our profession, in our community, and in our world. These are individuals to watch!"

The graduation ceremonies, spread across two weekends, were held at Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center at Stanford University and the Flint Center at De Anza College in Cupertino, CA.  

Dr. Jo Linder-Crow, CEO of the California Psychological Association and the CPA Foundation since 2005, was the keynote commencement speaker that provided inspirational words to the graduating students from the Ph.D. Clinical Psychology and PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium programs on the first weekend.

Dr. Jorge Wong, President and CEO of the Richmond Area Multi-Service in mental health, addressed the bachelor's and master's graduates as the keynote speaker of the second weekend. Graduating students participated in the bachelor's of science degree programs in business psychology or psychology and social action, or the master's programs in counseling or psychology. 

Robert E. Kantor Medal
During the doctorate commencement ceremony, James Otieno, Chair of PAU's Board of Trustees, was presented with the Robert R. Kantor Medal for his dedication and commitment to higher education. The annual award recognizes outstanding leaders who have led the way in terms of courage, vision, imagination and organization.

James Otieno remarked, "Imagine my utmost surprise to be honored with the Robert E. Kantor medal award for community leadership and an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Palo Alto University.  I was stunned at the time and am deeply honored. Thank you.  I will continue to embody and evangelize the mental health focus of PAU's Engaging Minds, Improving Lives.  It is a privilege to be a member of the PAU community.  Together, we can positively impact the human condition."

ABOUT PALO ALTO UNIVERSITY
Palo Alto University (PAU) was founded in 1975 and is dedicated to education with an emphasis in the behavioral and social sciences. Offering bachelor, masters and doctorate degrees online and on-campus, PAU's mission is to improve lives, with an emphasis on diverse cultures and serving the community.

CONTACT
Helena Ting, hting@paloaltou.edu, 650-520-3451, Vice President of Community Development

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SOURCE Palo Alto University