Central Michigan University

Investment, music and finance leaders to inspire CMU graduates

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Topics in this story: University news

Central Michigan University will be hosting three commencement ceremonies for students graduating May 3. The 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. ceremonies will be held in Rose Arena. Each event will feature a keynote speaker and the presentation of honorary degrees.

Vice Chairman of DWS Scudder Robert Froelich, The Rolling Stones' keyboardist Chuck Leavell, and Chief Executive Officer of Lewis and Munday David Baker Lewis will address the graduates.

Froelich, who will speak at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony, is a CMU alumnus and vice chairman of DWS Scudder. Serving as the firm's chief investment spokesman and chair of the Investor Strategy Committee, Froelich appears regularly on CNBC, CNN, FOX and Bloomberg TV.

Often referred to as "Dr. Bob," Froelich also is a best-selling author, and the only strategist who has ever been invited to both open and close the markets for NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange. Froelich has delivered speeches in all 50 states and currently serves as a member of the University of Dayton Board of Trustees.

Considered an expert in U.S. and global economics, global currency, financial markets, and global demographic trends, Froelich will be awarded an honorary doctor of commercial science degree.

Leavell, an acclaimed keyboardist, will speak at the 1:30 p.m. ceremony. A member of both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Leavell is known for his work with artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Train and many others.

Referred to as "the fifth Rolling Stone", Leavell began recording with the band in 1982. He continues to tour and record with national artists and also works as an in-demand session player and producer.

A dedicated and revered conservationist, Leavell wrote his first book on forestry and conservation, "Forever Green: The History and Hope of the American Forest," in 2001. He works to promote sound forestry management practices in America by speaking to environmental and governmental officials in Washington, D.C. Leavell will be awarded an honorary doctor of music degree.

Lewis serves as chairman and CEO of Lewis and Munday and as chair of the company's Corporate Services Practice Group. He will address the graduates during the 5 p.m. ceremony.

A member of the Board of Directors for both The Kroger Company and H&R Block, Lewis has specialized in multiple finance for more than 30 years. In the past, he has served on the board of directors for the National Association of Bond Lawyers and is a former chairman of the National Association of Securities Professionals. Lewis has served on the boards of numerous professional and civic organizations and also is a former assistant professor at the Detroit College of Law.

A graduate of Oakland University, The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and The University of Michigan Law School, Lewis will be awarded an honorary doctor of public service degree.

In addition, James C. Fabiano Sr. and Sandra Bell Croll will be presented with honorary degrees in recognition of their accomplishments and dedication to CMU.

A CMU alumnus and Mount Pleasant native, Fabiano is a past chair of the university's Board of Trustees. He is chairman and chief executive officer of Fabiano Brothers Inc., one of the largest beer and wine wholesaler companies in Michigan.

Fabiano also serves as the chair of IBT Bancorp Inc. and has provided leadership service as president, chairman, trustee or director of 15 different organizations. A past recipient of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award, Fabiano will receive an honorary doctor of commercial science degree for his philanthropic and personal dedication to CMU and the university community.

Croll lives in Harbor Springs but remains active in the civic and arts arenas of Mount Pleasant. She currently serves as a member of the Clarke Historical Library Board of Governors and is a past member of the CMU New Vision of Excellence Capital Campaign Committee.

CMU Libraries, the CMU baseball program, CMU public broadcasting and CMU's School of Music are just a few areas that have benefited from Croll's ongoing and generous history of giving to the university. In addition, The Croll Family Endowment supports the development of the Clarke Historical Library.

Croll attended Hope College and will receive an honorary doctor of public service degree for her support of CMU. She also will receive CMU's honorary alumni award in June, which recognizes an individual who is not a graduate of CMU, but gives of their time, talents and enthusiasm as if they were.

The three commencement sessions are organized by degrees.

9:30 a.m. - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Education, Master of Science in Information Systems, Specialist in Education, Doctor of Education, and Graduate Certificate in Business Computing.

1:30 p.m. - Bachelor of Applied Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, Master of Science in Administration, and Graduate Certificates in Autism, European History, General Administration, Gerontology, Health Services Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Human Resources Administration, Information Resource Management, International Administration, Leadership, Modern History, Organizational Communication, Public Administration, Software Engineering Administration, U.S. History, and Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Administration.

5 p.m. -Bachelor of Individualized Studies, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science, Specialist in Psychological Studies, Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Health Administration, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Physical Therapy.