Park University's Gilbert, Arizona campus will host its initial graduation ceremony on April 30.
In the heart of Arizona, the Park University Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus is set to host its first-ever commencement ceremony on April 30, 2022, at Paloma Community Church in Mesa. The event promises to be a significant milestone for the campus, as around 70 students are expected to receive their bachelor's and master's degrees.
The keynote address will be delivered by none other than Brigette Peterson, the esteemed Mayor of the Town of Gilbert. Peterson, who has been serving as the mayor since January 2021, will share her insights and wisdom with the graduating class. Prior to her mayoral role, Peterson served more than five years on the Gilbert Town Council and has a background in public service, local government, and business.
The Park University Gilbert Campus, located in the Heritage District at the University Building, 92 W. Vaughn Ave., is one of two Park locations in the Phoenix area and among three campuses in Arizona. The university began offering classes and degree programs at the Gilbert Campus in October 2018, following approval by the Higher Learning Commission and the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Park University, with its roots dating back to 1875 from its flagship campus in Parkville, Mo., has been supporting students from around the globe in pursuing their higher education dreams. The university currently serves 13,250 students annually worldwide, including about 500 in Gilbert.
The university's system includes 41 campuses, including 31 on military installations across the country, and extensive online programs. In Arizona, Park University has campuses at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale and at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
Shane Smeed, the newly appointed president of Park University, will also speak at the ceremony and will confer degrees to the graduates. Smeed, who took over the presidency in January 2022 after serving 13 months as interim president, will undoubtedly inspire the graduates with his words of wisdom. Yira Brimage, the vice president of the Park University Gilbert Campus, will also be in attendance.
For those seeking detailed and accurate information about Mayor Peterson’s background, it would be best to consult official Town of Gilbert resources or her official biography published by the municipality or local government websites.
The commencement ceremony at Park University Gilbert Campus, on April 30, 2022, not only marks the first graduation event but also serves as a testament to the students' education-and-self-development journey, as they receive their bachelor's and master's degrees. Furthermore, the keynote address, delivered by Mayor Peterson, is expected to provide insightful wisdom that can continue shaping their future self-growth.
