Media Room

University of the Rockies announced the keynote speeches at its fall commencement ceremony will be delivered by two members of the graduating class, Taylor Lynn Richardson and Keynon Washington. The commencement ceremony is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, in the Mile High Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14^th St. in Denver.

Richardson, of Guymon, Okla., moved to Colorado to pursue her master’s degree in sport psychology and performance enhancement. She is a children’s director and event planner at The Point Athletic Club and is also the assistant softball coach at Metropolitan State University in Denver. Richardson plans to use her degree to continue her goal of becoming a Division I or Division II head softball coach and consulting with athletes and teams in sport psychology and performance enhancement.

“Speaking at commencement will be more than an honor for a small town kid like me,” said Richardson. “I have been so very blessed to meet and interact with the people that I have met while at University of the Rockies. I thank the graduating class of 2016 for working hard to better this world and I hope their journey is just the beginning.”

Washington, who’ll be receiving her Ph.D. in psychology with a specialization in executive coaching, is a quality assurance lead and executive coaching consultant based in San Diego, Calif.

“Being given the opportunity to speak in front of my graduating class is quite an honor,” said Washington. “The message I want to share with my fellow graduates is that although life can be challenging, it is through these challenges and experiences that we, as individuals, will be ready to face the next level of our individual journeys. From ashes come beautiful things.”

More than 250 students are expected to travel to Denver to receive their diplomas during the Rockies commencement weekend. During the weekend, graduation festivities surrounding commencement will also include a professional development workshop titled “Brand U,” an alumni/graduate candidate reception, and an induction ceremony for the Golden Key International and SALUTE honor societies.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a leading graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences that offers programs for students seeking their PhD, PsyD, or Master of Arts degree. Based in Denver, Colo., the University provides students with the convenience of an online education. While working toward a degree from anywhere in the country, students enjoy access to industry professionals, research, and publishing opportunities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu/, www.twitter.com/URockies, www.facebook.com/UniversityoftheRockies, or call Marianne Perez, Media Relations Manager, at 866.621.0124 x11636.