Dr. Alicia Thompson to keynote at Friends University Commencement May 8

Friends University will honor the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes at this year’s Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 8, 2021, in INTRUST Bank Arena. The Graduate Commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. and the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. in order to allow for social distancing. 

Friends University is pleased to have Dr. Alicia Thompson, superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools, give the commencement address. Dr. Thompson is a native of Wichita and began her educational journey in the Wichita Public Schools. For more than 25 years she has shared her professional life with the district as a teacher, administrator and in 2017 she was named Superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools. Dr. Thompson received her undergraduate degree from Langston University, her master’s degree from Newman University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Wichita State University. 

“Dr. Thompson’s leadership and dedication to academic success are demonstrated by her commitment to empowering all students to achieve,” said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, president of Friends University. “As a friend to our university, we are thrilled to have her impart her wisdom to our graduating class as they prepare to embark on their new professional journeys.”  

Livestreaming will be available for those unable to attend in person.    

More information can be found at friends.edu/commencement.