SPOKANE, Wash. -- Dr. Robert Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, was announced as one of three guest speakers announced for Gonzaga University's 2024 commencement.
Dr. Gates served as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011. He joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1966, and worked as an agent for nearly 30 years. Prior to the top government job, he was President of Texas A&M University. Dr. Gates was slated to speak at the Law commencement ceremonies.
Angelique Albert (photo courtesy: Native Forward Scholars Fund)
Alumna Angelique Albert, CEO of the Native Forward Scholars Fund, was also scheduled to speak to students earning their graduate and doctoral degrees. She has dedicated her life's work to serving tribal communities, including the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes. The Native Forward Scholars Fund has distributed more than $350 million in scholarships to students from over 500 tribes all across the U.S.
Dr. Edward Taylor (photo courtesy: Seattle Foundation)
Alumnus Dr. Edward Taylor will speak at the undergraduate commencement ceremonies. He is vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs at the University of Washington. He is also a trustee of Gonzaga University. Dr. Taylor is a founding board member of Rainier Scholars, which provides scholarships to high-achieving children of color. He earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies, a master's in psychology, and bachelor's in sociology/psychology from Gonzaga.
