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LEXINGTON Ky.—Transylvania University’s commencement on Saturday, May 23, marked the start of a new journey for graduating students, who are well-prepared to join the workforce or continue their education at graduate or professional schools. The students of the class of 2015 received their bachelor’s degrees during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony in front of historic Old Morrison. Homaira Akbari, an award-winning thought leader in the security, Internet of Things, mobile and software sectors, delivered the commencement address. She is founder and CEO of the global advisory firm, AKnowledge Partners. “Dr. Akbari is a brilliant thinker at the cutting edge of technology, industry and business,” President Seamus Carey said. “She has a unique perspective to share with our students that will not only inform, but inspire them to shape their futures.” Transylvania senior Skyler Slone—a theater and philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) major from Hindman, Ky.— gave the student address: “You Are Living Your Story.” Also during the ceremony, the university presented an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Roszalyn Mack Akins, a 1976 Transylvania graduate and long-time Fayette County Public Schools teacher and administrator. Akins founded the BMW (Black Males Working) Academy, which motivates and educates African American students. The class of 2015 These students have set themselves apart in an outstanding fashion: • Forty-one percent of the students will receive honors in their academic programs, and 35 percent will graduate with Latin honors—a cumulative GPA above 3.5. • Transylvania will

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LEXINGTON Ky.— Homaira Akbari, an award-winning thought leader in the security, Internet of Things, mobile and software sectors, will deliver Transylvania University’s commencement address Saturday, May 23. The ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. in front of historic Old Morrison. Akbari became a pioneer in an industry at the forefront of global economic growth and development—at a time when few women were entering the science and technology workforce. She is founder and CEO of the global advisory firm, AKnowledge Partners. “We very much look forward to hearing Dr. Akbari’s address,” Transylvania President Seamus Carey said. “She is a brilliant thinker at the cutting edge of technology, industry and business. Her insight into the evolution of technology, where it is going and the impact it will have on how we live, is mesmerizing. She has a unique perspective to share with our students that will not only inform, but inspire them to shape their futures.” Akbari’s many leadership roles include serving on several U.S. and international public companies’ boards of directors and as chair of Johns Hopkins University Physics and Astronomy Advisory Council. She also is former president and CEO of SkyBitz, Inc., and has held senior executive positions in Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft. Akbari earned a Ph.D. with honors in particle physics from Tufts University and an MBA with distinction from Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business. She has authored numerous scientific and industry articles and is an inventor

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