SPCS names student, alumni & faculty speakers for 2018 Commencement exercises

April 13, 2018

The School of Professional & Continuing Studies has announced the student, alumni and adjunct faculty speakers for its 56th SPCS Commencement Exercises on May 12, 2018.

As part of a long-standing tradition, a graduating student, an alumnus or alumna, and a member of the adjunct faculty will speak at the SPCS graduation ceremony.

Distinguished Graduate

The SPCS student commencement speaker is selected by committee from among the top graduating students. The 2018 recipient is Kendyl Crawley Crawford, a Master of Nonprofit Studies student. Crawford is the director of Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, an organization that works with faith communities and people of all faiths to ensure healthy communities and environmental justice through education and advocacy.

Distinguished Alumnus

The alumni speaker is the recipient of the Gibb Family Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of an SPCS alumni member as well as their support of SPCS. The 2018 recipient is Robert Reed, C’13. Reed is a 33-year veteran of the hospitality industry and currently serves as vice president at SMI Hotel Group, overseeing sales and operations of the company’s six hotels which are located in Virginia and Texas.

Distinguished Adjunct Faculty

The adjunct faculty speaker is the recipient of the Itzkowitz Family Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award, which is selected by the SPCS student body and recognizes the teaching achievements of an adjunct faculty member. The 2018 recipient is Wendell Roberts. Roberts is an associate adjunct professor of Education and an avid lifelong learner, having earned his master’s degree and law degree as a nontraditional student. Roberts has served in numerous educational law positions throughout his career and currently serves as the School Board attorney for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

SPCS Commencement Exercises will be held on Saturday, May 12, at 9 a.m. in the Robins Center, followed by a reception celebrating the event.