Dear members of the Puget Sound campus community,
I am pleased to announce the Commencement speaker for Puget Sound’s 126th Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 13, 2018. As a community with a strong and continuing commitment to sustainability and the environment, we are especially honored this year to have Sally Jewell, the 51st U.S. Secretary of the Interior, deliver this year’s Commencement address.
Sally Jewell embodies characteristics and values that align with our mission, demonstrating a capacity for critical analysis, sound judgement, intellectual curiosity, and service to her community. She has dedicated her life to making positive change in the world and meeting the highest tests of democratic citizenship.
An expert on energy and climate issues, during her tenure as Secretary of the Interior she served as steward of approximately 20% of the nation’s land, focusing on supporting conservation efforts, investing in more sustainable water use, ensuring economic progress, and building trust with indigenous communities.
Prior to her appointment as Secretary of the Interior, she served as president and CEO of outdoor retailer REI. Earlier in her career she worked in commercial banking, and as an engineer in the energy industry. She has had a lifelong commitment to conservation and climate issues and has been active in numerous non-profits, including serving on the National Parks Conservation Association Board, and the University of Washington’s board of regents. She also helped found the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.
Ms. Jewell holds a B.A. in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington, and will be awarded by Puget Sound the degree Doctor of Science, honoris causa.
Please join me in thanking all those who participated in the selection of this impressive speaker and honorand for this year’s Commencement ceremony.
I look forward to joining all of you in celebrating the accomplishments of our Class of 2018 in May.
Sincerely,
Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President