More Than 100 Graduates Receive Diplomas at Embry-Riddle Worldwide European Commencement

Chancellor Dr. John Watret opened the ceremony while Dr. Bob Walton, Executive Director, Worldwide Campus Operations welcomed graduates, family, friend and special guests.

The Alumnus Speech was delivered by Codie Seier, Master of Science in Management Graduate, where she shared with the audience Embry-Riddle’s celebration of 90 years of teaching excellence.

Valerie Haas, Geilenkirchen Assistant Campus Director, served as the Master of Ceremony. Dr. Brad Sims, Chief Academic Officer, presented the candidates for graduate degrees. Vice-Chancellor Jason Ruckert and Dr. Walton assisted with the ceremonial hooding and Sandra Williams, Director of Enrollment Management, presented graduates their diplomas. 

Vice-Chancellor Bill Muldoon concluded the ceremony by recognizing and thanking faculty, campus staff and students’ families for attending. Dr. Ian McAndrew, Department Chair of Graduate Studies for the College of Aeronautics, offered the benediction and led the recessional.

Stephen Smith, the longest serving adjunct faculty in Europe, gave a heartfelt keynote speech that highlighted his most memorable moments teaching over 2,400 students during his career.

“I take photos of every class I teach, and we showed these photos on the large screens suspended above the speaker's platform,” said Smith.  “I didn't think I had said anything all that profound, but the synergy of the words and the images of so many happy students must have had a galvanizing effect.  I was floored to receive a standing ovation from the graduates. It is a moment I will never, ever forget.”

Beginning in 1994, Smith taught in Germany, England, Spain and the Azores. He was named Embry-Riddle’s Spangdahlem Faculty Member of the Year in 2004 and was promoted to Adjunct Associate Professor in 2010. His many military and civilian awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the IRS Commissioner’s Certificate of Meritorious Community Service.

Smith retired at the end of May, having taught courses in aviation legislation, aviation law, aviation insurance and aviation labor relations.

“Being the commencement speaker was one of the biggest thrills of my life. It was a great way to say farewell to all my friends and colleagues in the European Region after 22 years of teaching, said Smith.