Wes Moore, governor-elect of Maryland, will be the keynote speaker for Morgan State University’s 9th Fall Commencement Exercises. The event will take place Dec. 16 at Talmadge L. Hill Field House.
Moore – who will be Maryland’s first African American governor – is the former CEO of anti-poverty organization Robin Hood Foundation and founder of education-based startup BridgeEdU. He was also White House Fellow to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
“We are honored to have Governor-elect Wes Moore as our fall Commencement keynote speaker. His character and commitment to living an impactful life reminds us of the values that we want our graduates to embody. His life story is a testament to our students that success can be achieved through the journey of personal development and personal choices, which include successes and failures,” said Morgan State President Dr. David K. Wilson. “Through his notable achievements, Mr. Moore has demonstrated that perseverance, fortitude, and being teachable are foremost on the pathway to achieving success. His experiences will encourage our students and their families to always aspire to excellence, discipline, integrity and a passion for public service.”
Moore – an Army veteran – holds an associate degree from Valley Forge Military Academy and College; a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University; and a master’s degree in International Relations from Wolfson College at Oxford University.
Morgan will also give honorary degrees to Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, the first African American and the first woman to serve as the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, and Morgan alum Melvin Miles, former Magnificent Marching Machine band director.