In 2004, I was among the graduates in attendance at the August commencement ceremonies at Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement. It was the first time I had set foot on the school's lovely Pittsburgh campus, because I had earned my masters degree through its online program. This weekend, I will return to the campus, but this time I will be addressing the class.
The University invited me to serve as this year's commencement speaker and I am deeply honored to do so. I'm told that many of the graduates in attendance will have stories similar to my own. They are professionals with a deep interest in leadership studies and who incorporated their undergraduate or graduate degrees into their busy work lives.
This is a photo from my commencement program in 2004. This year's event will be more high-tech. Duquesne will be live streaming the program in HD. Here is
information from the school's website on the graduation ceremony and how to view it online. I think it's a terrific service for families and friends who might not be able to be there to witness their favorite grad's great day -- and even for some of the many far-flung online grads who couldn't make the trip as I did, to experience the day on site.
I've written my speech -- and will very likely turn it into a future column and podcast. (No sneak previews here. I want to share it for the first time with the grads.)
This event is one of the true joys that come with publishing a book like "WORK HAPPY: WHAT GREAT BOSSES KNOW." Duquesne has set up a special book talk and signing at the campus Barnes and Noble the evening of Friday, August 3.
Quite a weekend!
