NOTE: A live feed will be available for remote viewing of the commencement ceremony at Capitol. Click here for access.You will need speakers and headphones to hear the audio, and your computer should be running a current version of Adobe Flash. We recommend logging in a little early.
Cybersecurity expert Donna Dodson of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will deliver the keynote address during commencement ceremonies at Capitol College on May 17th.
The annual ceremony will be held at the college campus in South Laurel, beginning at 9:45 am.
A veteran researcher and leader of cybersecurity programs, Dodson has a special interest in areas such as applied cryptography, key management, authentication and security testing. She is NIST’s chief cybersecurity adviser and the associate director of its Information Technology Laboratory.
Dodson also led the establishment of the NIST National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) and serves as its director. The center works closely with industry to accelerate the widespread adoption of standards-based cyber security tools and technologies.
Dodson received a Department of Commerce Gold Medal and three NIST Bronze Medals. She was a Fed 1-Award winner for her innovations in cybersecurity. In 2011, she was listed as one of the top 10 influential people in government information security by GovInfoSecurity. In addition, Fedscoop has named her as one of the DC area’s top 50 women in technology.
“We are honored and delighted that Ms. Dodson will be sharing her insights and experiences with our graduating students as they prepare to advance into their careers,” said Dr. Michael Wood, president of Capitol College. “We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity education, and Donna’s research is at the leading edge of developments in that field.”
In addition to Ms. Dodson's address, the commencement program will include musical selections performed by the Columbia Brass Quintet and soloist Andrew Exner. The Color Honor Guard of Laurel High School will present the school colors, and Reverend Robert B. Culp, a retired Presbyterian minister, will conduct the invocation.
Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a doctor of science in information assurance, professional development training and certificates.
Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.