Former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael S. Steele will deliver the commencement address on Saturday (May 14th) as members of Capitol Technology University’s Class of 2016 celebrate the successful completion of their degrees.
As the first African-American to hold statewide office in Maryland, Steele made history in 2003 with his election as lieutenant governor. In 2009, he made history again when he became the first African-American chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
He will address students preparing to receive their degrees in Capitol’s associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, which cover a growing spectrum of business and technology fields.
The commencement ceremony will be held on the Capitol campus in South Laurel beginning at 9:45 am. The event will be streamed live via this link. For graduation requirements, commencement procedures and other information, click here.
“We’re delighted and honored that Mr. Steele will be giving this year’s commencement address,” said Capitol’s president, Dr. Michael T. Wood. “He is known not only in Maryland but nationally for the breadth of his vision and his gift for communicating that vision.”
“A leader is someone who is able to chart a path forward and motivate others in pursuit of noble goals,” Wood said. “Mr. Steele demonstrated such leadership skills during his career in public service, and again when he helped revitalize his party at a time when it needed new energy and direction. Mr. Steele has been a stalwart friend and supporter of Capitol Technology University and an advocate of the technology-focused education that we provide.”
“He is truly gifted speaker and I believe his message will inspire our graduates as they go forth to begin the next stage of their careers,” the president said.
In addition to Mr. Steele'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 Dr. Kanika Magee will conduct the invocation ceremony.
Rev. Dr. Magee is Associate Dean at the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel of Howard University. She received her doctoral degree from Catholic University of America in 2012 with a dissertation focusing on the life and work of Ella Mitchell, a pioneering preacher, mentor and church leader.
A poet and writer who has published four children’s books, and the founder of a consulting practice with a focus on community development, Magee has received several awards and honors, including the National Black MBA Association Fellowship. She has led workshops and motivational programs for youth across the country.
Capitol Technology University 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, doctoral programs in cybersecurity and management and decision sciences, and 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.captechu.edu.