Matthew Bolton, PhD, and Emily Welty, PhD, to Address Graduates at 2018 Graceland University Commencement

Graceland University has announced that Dr. Matthew Bolton and Dr. Emily Welty will be commencement speakers at this year’s spring graduation exercises.

Bolton and Welty have been working with the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the organization recently announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2017. Both are professors for the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University in New York City. Welty and Bolton made a conscious decision together to devote their lives to promoting peace and disarmament.

“It is a great privilege to have two passionate advocates for peace and justice at our commencement this spring,” said Patricia Draves, president of Graceland University. “These two have dedicated their lives and chosen remarkable paths. Their message will inspire and resonate with our graduates on their special day.”

Graceland Student Government President, Melissa Sherer, echoed Draves’ enthusiasm. “I am so excited to hear Matthew and Emily speak at graduation; what an honor to hear their stories on the day we all go out into the world to begin our own! As an alumnus, Dr. Bolton is an excellent mentor for students, setting an example for the limitless ways a Graceland education can change the world.”

Graceland University’s spring commencement will take place April 29 at 10 a.m. in the Eugene E. Closson Physical Education Center. Approximately 250 undergraduate and graduate students are expected to receive degrees at what will be the 121^st Commencement ceremony.