Commencement speaker retired Maj. Gen. Roosevelt Mercer
Nearly 600 people will participate in Bellevue University’s winter commencement this Saturday, Jan. 31. The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Of those participating, 211 are earning their master’s degrees; 363 are earning their bachelor’s degrees.
This year’s winter commencement speaker is U.S. Air Force Retired Maj. Gen. Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer Jr. Mercer is vice president and director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for ITT’s Space Systems Division in Rochester, N.Y. Prior to joining ITT Space Systems, Maj. Gen. Mercer was director of plans and policy for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base. He also is a charter member of Bellevue University’s Military Advisory Board.
George C. Rhodes Jr., of Fairfax, Va., will receive the university’s Alumni Achievement Award during Saturday’s ceremony. Rhodes is being recognized for his patriotism and service in the military, professional accomplishments within the defense intelligence field, and support of Bellevue University. He currently is a vice president and general manager at General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va.
The student speaker is Rodney L. Wheeler Sr. Wheeler is an Air Force veteran who is now manager of professional services at Wausau Financial Systems in Omaha. He earned his Master of Public Administration degree.
Bellevue University now confers degrees monthly, not just twice a year in conjunction with commencement ceremonies. Since the university’s last commencement, in spring 2008, the school has conferred 657 bachelor’s and 333 master’s degrees.
Members of the media interested in covering this Saturday’s commencement should contact Jason Keese: (402) 557-7368 or (402) 515-4074.
Filed under: Events, Student News
