Houston Police Chief Urges University of La Verne Graduates to Lead With Authenticity, Conviction, and Heart
La Verne, Calif. (PRWEB) June 02, 2018 -- Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo told graduates of the University of La Verne on June 2 that they should commit themselves to becoming lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and leaders who bring people together.
Acevedo, delivering the keynote address at the 2018 Spring Commencement ceremonies for the university's College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business and Public Management, also told graduates that good leaders put themselves at risk to help others.
"Leadership is about asking people nothing that you are not willing to do yourself," he said. "You cannot change culture as a leader via memo. You've got to get in the trenches. You've got to get dirty. You've got to get involved. You've got to be a person who puts himself at risk. And when you do those things, guess what people are going to do? They're going to follow you."
Acevedo, who earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the university in 2005, was sworn in as Houston police chief in November 2016. He is the first Latino to serve as police chief in Houston, the fourth-most populous city in the United States.
In 2017, Acevedo led the city through Hurricane Harvey, one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. He credits his officers and staff with rescuing more than 6,500 people as the hurricane transformed the city into a series of islands. The chief drew on lessons he learned at the University of La Verne – earning, building, and keeping public trust – throughout the storm.
Prior to his commencement address on Saturday, the university presented him with an honorary doctorate.
College of Arts and Sciences Dean Lawrence Potter told graduates that Acevedo is a leader who understands the art and science of public service.
"His brave leadership has taught him that compassion and empathy matter," Potter said.
More than 1,000 University of La Verne students from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business and Public Management participated in the June 2 ceremonies at the university's Campus West sports complex.
Students received bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees during morning and afternoon ceremonies.
University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman told graduates that their education has prepared them to be civically engaged – to make an impact on the world around them.
“I like to say that our lives are similar to a mosaic – a collection of diverse tiles which create a beautiful piece of artwork when put together,” Lieberman said. “Graduates, with your knowledge, skills, and values, you will continue to be an asset in your communities as you contribute to the beautiful mosaic called life.”
More than 1,300 students were registered to participate in University of La Verne commencement ceremonies throughout the weekend. Students from the LaFetra College of Education will graduate during a ceremony on June 3.
About the University of La Verne
Founded in 1891 and located 35 miles east of Los Angeles, the University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution founded on four core values: lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, civic and community engagement, and diversity and inclusivity. The University of La Verne serves nearly 8,400 students at its historic La Verne campus and across 9 other California regional locations.
Melissa Pinion, University of La Verne, http://www.laverne.edu, 909-448-4999, [email protected]
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