By Maddie Garvis
The Hood College administration has chosen Aba Blankson, the chief marketing and communications officer for the NAACP, as this year’s commencement speaker.
Blankson is a 1999 graduate of Hood College.
Blankson said she was happy to return to talk to her alma mater.
“It is always a privilege to return home and connect with my Hood family,” Blankson said. “Attending Hood was one of the best decisions I ever made. Strangers became classmates, colleagues, and lifelong friends. Professors challenged, empowered, and set me on an incredible journey.”
Blankson also emphasized how her time at Hood helped her become successful in her career.
“Hood has allowed me to open doors, occupy spaces and break ceilings I never could have imagined, and our Hood spirit, ‘to care, to think, to do’ has guided every aspect of my career,” said Blankson who was a math major. “I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for the opportunities and experiences I had at Hood.”
Laurie Ward, vice president for marketing and communications, said that she’s excited about Blankson’s selection as commencement speaker.
“We wanted someone relevant and exciting,” Ward said. “She’s a great speaker; she’s very engaging.”
Hood faculty, staff and students send nominations for speaker to President Andrea Chapdelaine and the list is narrowed down from there via interviews with the candidates. Chapdelaine then has the final say on who will speak at commencement.
Ward said that unlike larger colleges and universities, Hood doesn’t pay its commencement speaker, so the chosen speaker will always be someone who’s very eager to speak at commencement.
“Commencement is an incredibly special moment on the path of greatness for each of the bright minds that have called Hood College home for the past four years,” Blankson said. “I am honored to speak and celebrate with the resilient Class of 2022.”
Be the first to comment