Sociologist and Best-Selling Author Dr. Bertice Berry Speaks to Colorado Technical University Graduates

Dr. Bertice Berry, PhD., will deliver the commencement address to the 2014 graduates of Colorado Technical University (CTU). CTU selected Dr. Berry for her dedication to education as a former teacher and her ability to use a combination of comedy and advice to connect with and inspire students. The graduation ceremony will takes place in Denver on June 21, 2014.

"We're thrilled to have such an inspirational role model like Dr. Bertice Berry share her experience and advice with our graduates," said Andrew Hurst, president of CTU. "She shares CTU's commitment to higher education and we think she's a perfect fit for this celebration."

Dr. Berry is a graduate of Jacksonville University in Florida and received her doctorate in sociology from Kent State University. She began her career in education, teaching sociology and statistics at Kent where she learned that integrating humor into her lectures helped her build strong connections with students.

Dr. Berry is also the author of 11 critically-acclaimed fiction and non-fiction books that explore issues such as race, gender and culture. She has also gained recognition for her work as an entertainer and comedian, winning the national Comedian of the Year Award several years in a row. Dr. Berry has appeared on numerous television programs, including "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and ABC's "20/20." She was also the host and co-executive producer of her own nationally syndicated talk show, "The Bertice Berry Show."

"Earning a degree is among the most significant achievements in life, and graduation gives us an opportunity to honor CTU students' perseverance and personal commitment to their education," Dr. Berry said. "It is also an opportunity to celebrate the possibilities the future holds and to look forward to the ways students can bring their experience to life as they advance in their careers."

Commencement Events

CTU's 2014 commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 1 p.m. at the Colorado Convention Center's Bellco Theatre in downtown Denver. Graduates, family and friends who are unable to attend in person can view a live webcast of the ceremony by visiting CTU's YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/user/ctuniversity).

CTU has planned a number of events to help graduates prepare for the next steps after graduation, including a CTU "Get Connected: Networking Reception" for graduates on Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Bellco Theatre Lobby, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. MDT, sponsored by McGraw-Hill, will feature a LinkedIn professional networking event to help attendees leave with powerful, professional connections.

In addition, Keith Ferrazzi, an expert in business relationship development and behavioral and organizational change, will speak with graduates on Friday, June 20, 2014 at the Colorado Convention Center, 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. MDT about the importance of building meaningful relationships. Those interested in attending Ferrazzi's virtual lecture, which is part of CTU's 2014 "CTU Presents" lecture series, can visit the following website to RSVP: http://ctupresents-keithferrazzi-webcast.eventbrite.com.

For additional information about CTU's graduation ceremony, please visit: http://www.ctugraduation.com/.

About Colorado Technical University

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) provides higher education to connect students to what matters most in reaching their professional goals. CTU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs taught by real-world faculty members who enrich the curriculum with their industry experience and prepare students for today's challenges and the hard-hitting problems of tomorrow. CTU's personalized, online learning system allows students to control what, where, when and how they learn. Students can also learn and connect on campuses in multiple cities. With the help of faculty, industry professionals and more than 70,000 alumni, CTU students can also grow a powerful professional network to use their entire career. For more information, please visit www.coloradotech.edu.

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